Scott Reeder: Politics push Shay from coaching job Scott Reeder No sooner did the knees touch the floor than the politicians’ complaints started flying. Kneeling during the national anthem before a game is like raising a middle finger to the U.S. flag, Tennessee state Sen. Jon Lundberg told the president of East Tennessee State University last month during a budget hearing. Shortly thereafter, the coach, Jason Shay, was out of a job. Shay quit as ETSU’s head coach last week after one season and a 13-12 record. As part of his separation agreement he will receive $450,000 not to coach.