The Sports Forum - Will Arkansas fans back a sinning winner, or roast Bobby Petrino like they did Housto

With the help of a crashed Harley-Davidson, we have arrived at a moment of truth for Arkansas (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/aan/) football fans.
Will the Pig People treat one power-abusing coach the same way they treated another one five years ago? Will they mount another vigilante campaign to obtain his phone records to see how many times he called a woman who was not his wife? Will they not stop until the man is ready to flee his job leading the Razorbacks?
In other words, will Bobby Petrino in 2012 be a slow-roasted Hog the same way Houston Nutt was in 2007?
One would think so. But one must also consider this: Petrino is 21-5 in the past two seasons, authored the first 11-win campaign at the school since 1977 and has a team that should be ranked in the preseason top 10 – maybe top five. Nutt was 14-11 in the two seasons before the Arkansas faithful went after him like Billy Ray Smith chasing a quarterback.



http://l.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/I_U9AYIDoc23BP0JAJuMDg--/YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVvO2NoPTI3NDtjcj0xO2N3PTIyMDtkeD0xO2 R5PTE7Zmk9dWxjcm9wO2g9Mjc0O3E9MTAwO3c9MjIw/http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/ipt/dorrell_040612.jpgJessica Dorrell.
(AP)

Will Petrino’s winning record and program momentum be enough to earn him preferential treatment from the public? Or has the disingenuous drifter finally fibbed his way into a mess he can’t get out of?
Petrino capped a very bad week with an admission late Thursday night to an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman he hired to his staff way back on March 28. The woman, Jessica Dorrell, was with Petrino when he wrecked his Harley on Sunday – a fact the coach avoided acknowledging during a news conference Tuesday to discuss the accident.
More important, Petrino did not acknowledge that fact to his boss, athletic director Jeff Long, until 3:12 p.m. CDT Thursday, Long said.
Petrino likely never would have acknowledged it unless it hadn’t been in the police report, which was released Thursday. Which makes this yet another time Petrino lied until he ran out of real estate. Fans at Louisville (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/llh/) know that Bobby well.
[ Related: Check out Petrino photos (http://yhoo.it/HPi4Dc) ]
Petrino’s marital failings are nobody’s business. That’s between him and his family. Let them sort it out in private.
But Petrino’s professional failings are between him and the entire state that follows the Razorbacks with monomaniacal fervor, paying his $3.6 million salary in the process. It is a professional failure to put your mistress on the payroll. It is a professional failure to mislead your bosses and make them look foolish by feeding them a dishonest line, then having them parrot it in public.
That’s where the skidding rubber meets the road in this fiasco.
In the process of sorting this out, Long placed Petrino on paid administrative leave. In the meantime, we’ll see how Hogs fans react.
When Nutt was locked in a battle of egos with the mother of star quarterback recruit Mitch Mustain (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/players/142838/) in 2006, fans ripped him for allegedly orchestrating personal attacks on the quarterback from one of his friends. One particularly industrious (or obsessed) fan accessed Nutt’s cell-phone records through an open-records request and found that he had a number of calls to a female TV reporter in Fort Smith, Ark. That was publicized in an effort to smear Nutt, who denied any improper relationship with the woman.
For most fans, the real problem was that Nutt didn’t win enough with a trio of NFL running backs (Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis), a five-star offensive coordinator (Gus Malzahn) and a golden-boy, local-hero QB (Mustain). But they used the rest of the stuff to help leverage Nutt out of his job and off to Mississippi (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/mmo/) after the 2007 season.
[ Related: Petrino placed on leave in aftermath of crash (http://bit.ly/HYE0KT) ]
I wonder whether Petrino will be subjected to the same attack mentality. Arkansas fans have been so dazzled by Petrino’s success that you probably will hear a lot of people defending him. Winning can excuse a lot of personal flaws.
In fact, the promise of winning big is what spurred Arkansas to land Petrino in the first place, despite a litany of low-life dealings with his employers during his head-coaching career. On the night he was hired in December 2007, I wrote a less-than-glowing – OK, hateful – column for ESPN.com detailing exactly who the Hogs had embraced as their program savior.
To recite the highlights:
http://l.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/P9eAKC5umP.3H97AtSmBRQ--/YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVvO2NyPTA7ZHg9MDtkeT0wO2ZpPXVsY3JvcA--/http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/ipt/petrino_040612.jpgPetrino didn't mention Dorrell at this new conference Tuesday.
(AP)

In November 2003, during Petrino’s first season as a coach at Louisville, he engaged in a brazen double-cross with Auburn (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/aar/). Petrino met across the Ohio River from Louisville, in southern Indiana, with a number of Auburn officials to discuss the Tigers’ coaching job. Problem was, neither the Tigers nor the Cardinals had finished their seasons. This was two days before Auburn would beat Alabama (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/aad/) in the Iron Bowl.
Petrino undercut his former boss, Tommy Tuberville, under whom he was offensive coordinator at Auburn. He also undercut his boss at the time, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich, who gave him his first head-coaching job.
Petrino lied about having any contact with Auburn officials until two reporters for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal confronted him with documentation of the private plane that brought the university president and athletic director to Sellersburg, Ind. I was one of the two reporters. Petrino still resisted telling the truth until Auburn issued a statement owning up to the whole affair.
The next season, Petrino showed how chastened he was by that PR disaster by quietly interviewing at the same Sellersburg airport with Notre Dame (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/nnx/) officials. He also had discussions with Florida (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/ffa/) and Mississippi about their jobs.
Then, on Dec. 7, 2004, he pledged his loyalty to Louisville through a flowery statement. Two weeks later, he signed a contract extension to stay with the Cardinals. Five days after that, he surreptitiously interviewed with LSU (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams/lli/). And another week after that, when it was apparent LSU was going to hire Les Miles, Petrino publicly pulled out of consideration for the job.
In 2005, a guy who told everyone he had no interest in coaching the pros interviewed with the Oakland Raiders (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/oak/). He ultimately turned down the job and expelled a bunch of hot air about his commitment to Louisville.
In July 2006, Petrino signed a 10-year contract worth up to $25 million – a major outlay for a school such as Louisville. Upon signing it, Petrino again vowed that Louisville was where he wanted to coach and raise his family. He made a point of insisting that a $1 million buyout provision be put into the contract.
“We did want to make a statement,” he said. “… I wanted to make sure everyone understood – I know I’ve said it – that this is where I want to be, where my family wants to be. But I want everyone to really believe it.”
How believable was it? Five months later, he was the new coach of the Atlanta Falcons (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/atl/).
That lasted all of 13 games, before Petrino quit during the season and without telling his players. Well-respected Falcons owner Arthur Blank let it be known how little he thought of Petrino.
Next stop, Arkansas, where everything was going so well until that Sunday motorcycle ride. Suddenly, it’s a moment of truth for the Razorbacks’ fan base.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=pf-forde_arkansas_petrino_suspended_accident_040412

He may be a great coach but to me he sux //////////

If a coach wins nobody gives a rats azz what else goes on and my company worked on his newly purchased home in Atlanta when he took the Falcons job and he was a great guy to deal with but the wife a true pain in the azz. You couldn't make her happy with anything anyone did on the home so I can't say I blame him for jumpin that sweet gal.

Yea, He comes with baggage & lots of it! Great football mind but..........?

Just a bad Harley Davidson driver. What a way to get caught. That has 3 Price tags Emotional, Physical and Money that will not just go away.

Never did hear if Jessica was injured in the accident?

I think Petrino is damaged goods now an Arkansas has the upper hand in this situation. Who in the Arkansas's administration has the dangle downs to play their hand to the schools best advantage. The internal struggle is going to be a battle of its own. Petrino has his supporters in both the fan base and the administration. I would imagine some heads will be on the line whether Petrino stays or go's? Back to my statement that Arkansas has the upper hand and Petrino is damaged goods. He supposedly has a morals clause in his contract so I'd assume if they wanted they could box his things up an set them out on the sidewalk? However I think they should cut his salary by about 1/2 with a new contract. Let him build his salary base back up to his current rate if he lives up to the new contract over time. If he rejects this new offer I don't know if any bigger schools will touch him for a couple of years or more. He may find a small school willing to jump on board but he's got a top team building in Arkansas so he might be willing to admit fault and stay on board but then Mrs. Petrino may want to get the heck out of Arkansas and move on!

He will be gone, AR has to save face at this point

He will be gone, AR has to save face at this point

There are many that feel the same way however at this point in time where (who) would you look for a replacement. I don't know of a top coach that is loose at this point. Leach was picked up recently. Maybe someone from Petrino's staff could step up? Another question didn't the NCAA change the rules to allow a new recruit to leave a program if the coach leaves?

I would negotiate his contract to about less then half. Of what a good moral coach would get, he would have to pay his own expenses along the way ;? :grin: thats the offer I would give :trout:

Has the world turned into the National Inquirer? Who cares what goes on in someones personal life?

Roasted pig for supper. He's gone.

Hopefully, sinners will be forgiven or we are all screwed. Adultery should be between him, his wife, and his God.

Has the world turned into the National Inquirer? Who cares what goes on in someones personal life?

This is not just his personal life. He (Petrino) has a duty to represent the U of A in an way they would be proud. This is written in his contract, He hires a girlfriend to work for him in the sports dept. They have an accident then he lies about it to his employers. Petrino has a history of similar actions prior to this (the deceitful part). What happened that day by Petrino's actions is not just between him and his family. It might have ruined two family's lives as she also has to deal with it. Also it could have serious implication in a University's multi million dollar sports program and the possibility of setting it back a few years. Many youngsters will also be dealing with this as their family's also struggle with allowing their children to go to the University of Arkansas an play for someone like that. It's actually more than just being about Bobby Petrino and a fling with a young gal. As the old saying goes "if you play with fire you're going to get burned".

Wow, I am glad Calipari wasn't judged based upon that criteria. He's been a cheater everywhere he has coached and he just keeps moving on up!

:nono::trout: Buh-bye Bobby. There is NO way he survives, all that remains is how it ends. I know if I were the one he answered to about violating terms of his deal, he'd need a new gig next Year to pay his alimony.

Wow, I am glad Calipari wasn't judged based upon that criteria. He's been a cheater everywhere he has coached and he just keeps moving on up!

Well he did come with that perception and the media does nothing to dispel those rumors. Actually they propagate them spreading what someone else had written before them. It's easier this way just dig up old news and add your spin then print it again whether it's true or not. During this years NCAA tourney many of the media finally started speaking the truth rather than continuing to spread the false rumors. If you check the records Calipari was not named in any of the NCAA violations, he & the University of KY even got a letter from the NCAA exonerating him from any wrong doing & clearing him completely. He did loose his victory's because the school lost the victories due to wrong doings. Being a UK fan I had listened to the media and was very concerned when they started talking about hiring him. I should say I was against hiring him but the University contacted the NCAA for information prior to the hiring to be assured. It might be that slick backed hair and expensive suits.;?:)

Fire him and bring back Coach Holtz!!! ;)

Well he did come with that perception and the media does nothing to dispel those rumors. Actually they propagate them spreading what someone else had written before them. It's easier this way just dig up old news and add your spin then print it again whether it's true or not. During this years NCAA tourney many of the media finally started speaking the truth rather than continuing to spread the false rumors. If you check the records Calipari was not named in any of the NCAA violations, he & the University of KY even got a letter from the NCAA exonerating him from any wrong doing & clearing him completely. He did loose his victory's because the school lost the victories due to wrong doings. Being a UK fan I had listened to the media and was very concerned when they started talking about hiring him. I should say I was against hiring him but the University contacted the NCAA for information prior to the hiring to be assured. It might be that slick backed hair and expensive suits.;?:)

Anybody that doesn't see a pattern with Calipari is biased.

At least she's a looker.............hope it was worth it.

Anybody that doesn't see a pattern with Calipari is biased.

I agree 100% with you CARV but, the pattern has been that the NCAA violations were committed by the player and/or the school and not by the coach. In the U Mass / M Canby incident Canby had taken money from an agent while still enrolled in school not a J Calapari incident. In the Memphis I think in was D Rose that the NCAA said had someone else take a test for him. On this one I don't know if that was for admission to college or a college exam? Again Calipari not charged or named by the NCAA in either incident.
I wish you would believe me about the fact that although the UK fan base is very large most do not want cheating of any sort as the school has been through a probation period and it sucks. This includes hiring a cheating coach. UK's athletic director Mitch Barnhart ran a very extensive investigation on J Calapari's history with the NCAA before hiring him. However that being said everyone knows there are alumni of every university with a very low moral standard and big pockets that will do just about anything to see their Alma mater win. I think this is true with most schools around the country. The successful alumni run or have a lot of say in the running of the schools. A lot of this stuff goes on without the knowledge the school or any school officials.

With Petrino's winning record, he still calls the shots there. Does anyone have any idea just how rabid the fans are there? It's the main focus on any sports talk radio in AK any time of the year. It's what they live for. A deal will be worked out. He may take a pay cut the the boosters will make it up somehow. Mark my words though, if he has the stellar year everyone expects, all will be forgiven and forgotten and he will move on by next year.
BTW, big Louisville fan here and Petrino did us a favor leaving. Coach Strong is the bomb with great morals and very involved in the community. Two things Petrino never adopted.

Just shocking, a man consorting with a women other than his wife!

Happens all the time, most just don't get caught in the press. If he is a good coach, he should stay as the university is best represented if its football team does well.

he is gone!! he was canned today.

He's fired according to this

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/arkansas-fires-petrino-232011512--nfl.html

Putting her on the pay role probably did it.

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/04/10/260398-jessica-dorrell.jpg

When Coach David Bennett of Coastal Carolina said "We need more dogs" I dont think this is what he had in mind but oh boy did the old ball Coach Petrino catch one pretty kitty.

Wow, I probably would have gotten fired as well.

yeah, keep banging her, get a divorce.............and come be our football coach at Kentucky. I dont care who he's screwing.........he's a good coach..............at least he's got good taste and not a homo.

yeah, keep banging her, get a divorce.............and come be our football coach at Kentucky. I dont care who he's screwing.........he's a good coach..............at least he's got good taste and not a homo.


Well he can keep his relations with her if it's worth it but please don't come to UK. I think we're going to need a football coach as Joker just not getting it done but hopefully not Petrino. Come to think of it that would make the Lousyville Fans mad wouldn't it?
Petino is UK's basketball coach then leaves for the NBA Celtics and returns to coach Lousyville. Petrino is Lousyville's football coach then leaves for the NFL Falcons and comes back and coaches UK) AND Both had flings with blonds and got caught.:o

Looks like Arkansas has more integrity than the big blue. Just win baby!

Beetle, I was thinking the same thing.

This is not just his personal life. He (Petrino) has a duty to represent the U of A in an way they would be proud. This is written in his contract, He hires a girlfriend to work for him in the sports dept. They have an accident then he lies about it to his employers. Petrino has a history of similar actions prior to this (the deceitful part). What happened that day by Petrino's actions is not just between him and his family. It might have ruined two family's lives as she also has to deal with it. Also it could have serious implication in a University's multi million dollar sports program and the possibility of setting it back a few years. Many youngsters will also be dealing with this as their family's also struggle with allowing their children to go to the University of Arkansas an play for someone like that. It's actually more than just being about Bobby Petrino and a fling with a young gal. As the old saying goes "if you play with fire you're going to get burned".


Like I said...This is a personal problem between two adults, the public has no business in his or her personal affairs. Who are we to judge!

Looks like Arkansas has more integrity than the big blue. Just win baby!

CARV ......I'm from KY but on this one I'll take the Missouri stance and say show me anything from the NCAA that names J Calipari being the target of an investigation. It has always been between the school and the NCAA. CARV I'm not going back an forth as I don't think you're listening to me.:nono: I am like you and agree in the fact, it's easy to say where there's smoke there's fire, but we do live in America and until they or someone says he did it and proves it he's not guilty of a thing. Thats the way it works for you, me and Calipari. The NCAA would love to nail him as there are a lot that feel the same way you do! ........ Truthfully it sound's like you're suffering from a case of sour grapes to me. Maybe since you don't have a location on your info you were rooting for W. Ky, Iowa St., Indiana, Baylor, Louisville or Kansas.......In other words a team Calapari and his Cats put a whoopin on! Sorry I couldn't resist!;)

Like I said...This is a personal problem between two adults, the public has no business in his or her personal affairs. Who are we to judge!


Jay now I'm in this discussion on another point! I suppose you didn't care that the President of the United States got a hummer in the White House?:)

Jay now I'm in this discussion on another point! I suppose you didn't care that the President of the United States got a hummer in the White House?:)
Where was he from :grin: living 4 miles from Arkansas this is a huge deal around these parts. Some of the team being interviewed talked about how he preached to them about standards with high conviction, and how some felt now that its just empty speeches ;? that there leader let them down. Lying was the biggest one. Trust issues had set in pretty deep.

Jay now I'm in this discussion on another point! I suppose you didn't care that the President of the United States got a hummer in the White House?:)
He remained President despite that.....But now I can see the Arkansas connection in all of this;)

Whatever beetle, you know good and well calipari is a cheating sum bitch. I don't give a damn how good his lawyers are.

He probably is cheating, but it doesnt matter as long as no one can pin it on him. (Doesnt to me anyway). For years, I've watched other SEC teams, mainly football, stack their decks against us, like UF, Alabama, LSU, TN.........the list goes on in every conference. If you say they arent cheating when recruiting, then I'll pass you another cup of kool aid.
Face it, they all cheat. If you dont get caught, kudos to you. Enjoy your wins.
BTW CARV, which team were you for that we (UK) absolutely beat the hell out of this year?

No, they don't all cheat but I am glad you came right out and admitted that Kentucky does. Also, Arkansas and Kentucky didn't play this year, but I can assure you Kentucky would have gotten their ass handed to them. Kentucky was 5-7 with the weakest schedule in the SEC.

Football.............with the current setup we have, forget it. I was referring to basketball.
Arkansas cheats like hell in their recruiting for football, they just havent been caught yet...............just look, the coach cheats on everything, even his marriage. Yah, they all do cheat...............I'm not sure what fairytale land youre living in if you cant admit it, or see it.

Well I'm not going to throw in the towel and say anyone cheats until they are caught and it's proven regardless of sport. I do think Calhoun at U Conn has a checkered past however someone must have let him down. Don't they have monitors to notify coaches if a player is not making passing grades. Maybe they did and he ignored it and that's what got him and the program in trouble with the NCAA??? The same with Syracuse during the NCAA tourney with F. Melo. I truly believe some teams attract the better players with the history of the school, coach etc. These players are 17-18 year old and the WOW factor kicks in. The kids know if this coach puts a lot of players in the pros. Just like anything you do whether it's buying a new boat or auto you look at the track record of the machine and the dealer you talk with.
Hey CARV The way one of your most recent post reads leads me to think that you might be a razorback fan. Maybe that's what causing that ole Chip that's hanging out on your shoulder.;) Well I guess I'll see you during football season Oct. 13 @ your place........it could be bad! (For UK). You do know what they say at UK? You can't dribble those oval balls anyway.:)