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Tony Vitello made an extremely classy move after Tennessee's win against LSU in the SEC Tournament Championship Game
Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

In the midst of celebrating an SEC Tournament championship game win on Sunday evening in Hoover, Tennessee Vols head coach Tony Vitello made sure his team showed respect to their opponent, the LSU Tigers

Vitello, according to ESPN reporter Kris Budden, asked LSU to stick around after the Vols' brief on-field celebration to ensure that Tennessee's players shook hands with LSU's players. 

Despite Tennessee's reputation under Vitello, the Vols play the game the right way -- with effort, passion, enthusiasm, and toughness. They also play with a chip on their shoulder -- a necessary quality in any championship squad -- which is the reason for their villainous reputation. 

The truth is that Vitello routinely praises, by name, players on the opposing roster. And coaches on the other staff (sometimes). He understands the grind that it takes to make it to the collegiate level. And he recognizes elite talent when he sees it. 

Vitello and his program may have a fiery, and at times seemingly combative, approach to playing the game, but they also have a healthy respect for the game and for their opponent on the other side. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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