KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said a subpoena for his testimony in a lawsuit stemming from a decade-old Alabama recruiting scandal is aimed at distracting him from the upcoming season.

Fulmer was in Birmingham, Ala., on Thursday when he got the subpoena to provide testimony for former Crimson Tide booster Wendell Smith's lawsuit against the NCAA.

Fulmer issued a statement calling the incident a publicity stunt and said he won't let it divert his attention from football.

Smith, a Chattanooga businessman, is suing the NCAA for defamation, claiming the organization and several members of the infractions committee slandered him in accusing him of providing money to a high school recruit.

Smith denied the allegation and questioned Fulmer's role as a tipster to the NCAA.