UGH, ANOTHER SCANDAL IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL & "BOUNTY-GATE"JUST KEEPS GETTING WORSE
I am really growing tired of talking about one scandal after another coming from the world of college football. But like the recent ones at USC, Ohio State & Penn State, they affect the landscape of my favorite sport. Tonight, literally out of the blue, Arkansas A.D. Jeff Long called a hurried news conference around 10PM to announce head coach Bobby Petrino had been placed on paid administrative leave. Seems the Arkansas Times had uncovered evidence directly contradicting Petrinio's version of his motorcycle accident Sunday evening. The wreck left him with 4 broken ribs, a cracked C-4 vertebra & numerous cuts & bruises. In his press conference after being released from the hospital, Petrino said he was alone on the bike, not wearing a helmet, when he lost control & had to lay the bike down, ending up in a roadside ditch. After climbing out of the ditch, Petrino said "a lady" was already there flagging down a passing motorist. The driver of the car took Petrino to the hospital. He was asked if he was by himself, he said yes, & the last question was regarding alcohol, Petrino said he hadn't been drinking. That was his version, which most people were satisfied with, but not the Arkansas Times. By mid-afternoon, they had another version which they presented to Petrino. He asked they hold the story for an hour until he could talk to his wife & university officials. Long handed out copies of Petrino's statement after announcing his admin leave.
Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long
Petrino was not by himself, nope, he wasn't. After spending the afternoon with his wife & 4 kids at a nearby lake, Coach Bobby went for a ride on his motorcycle. He went to a nearby comuter parking lot where he picked up 25-year old Jessica Dorrell, a recently promoted employee in the Arkansas football program. Dorrell, a former Razorback volley ball player had worked in & around the athletic department & as a fund raiser for several years. CBSSports.com is reporting she is currently engaged to the swimming & diving coach at Arkansas. I'm guessing that relationship is probably doomed. Dorrell was on the bike with Petrino when he put it in the ditch & she was the one who flagged down the motorist. She was in the car with Petrino & he asked that the driver drop her back at her car, her injuries didn't require a visit to the emergency room. After Dorrell was dropped off & a 911 call, Petrino was taken to the hospital by an Arkansas State trooper. In Petrino's statement, after mentioning his injuries, "constant pain & being medicated" he came clean.
"The circumstances of the wreck have come out in bits & pieces. That said, I certainly had a concern about Jessica Dorrell's name being revealed. In my press conference I referred to her simply as "a lady." My concern was to protect my family & a previous inappropriate relationship from becoming public. In hindsight, I showed a serious mistake in judgement when I chose to not be more specific about those details. Today, I've acknowledged this previous inappropriate relationship with my family & those within the athletic department administration."
"I apologize to my wife Becky, our four children, Chancellor Gearhart, Jeff Long, the board of trustees, University administration, my coaching staff, our student athletes & the entire state of Arkansas. I have been humbled by the outpouring of concern & get well wishes. I apologize to the Razorback Nation for the attention my actions have brought to the University of Arkansas & our program. I will fully cooperate with the University throughout this process & my hope is to repair my relationships with my family, my athletic director, Razorback Nation & remain the coach of the Razorbacks."
Long said he received a call from Petrino late this afternoon with "information that had previously not been shared." That info was Jessica Dorrell. The two met face-to-face around 7PM & Petrino admitted to "an inappropriate relationship with Dorrell." Long immediately placed Petrino on paid administrative leave & named Taver Johnson interim coach. The Razorbacks spring game is this Saturday, nice timing coach. Long said the 51-year old Petrino would remain on leave until a full investigation is completed.
Jessica Dorrell & Bobby Petrino
Long time readers here know I have a very low opinion of Bobby Petrino, for the way he left the Louisville program & later, bailing on the Atlanta Falcons in mid-season. I think John Beckham, coach of Springfield-Hillcrest High School & adopted dad of the nations #1 recruit, Dorial Green-Beckham, had it right a few months ago. He mentioned Petrino's assistants leave for lesser or lateral jobs. He thought they were willing to take less just to get off Petrino's staff. He didn't like the heavy turnover of Arkansas coaches. I don't know if Petrino survives this. I'm sure Ms. Dorrell's employment & promotion will be examined closely, her engagement is certainly in doubt & it remains to be seen if Petrino's wife forgives him as well. I believe the more of these scandals we see, schools are going to take a tougher stance for humiliating the institution & the football program. Let's say he keeps his job but if you were the parent of a recruit, would you want this guy sitting in your living room selling you on his ability to mold your son's character?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell heard the appeals of Saints head coach Sean Payton, linebackers & assistant head coach Joe Vitt, general manager Mickey Loomis & the new Orleans' franchise, fined half-a-million dollars in the bounty scandal. Listening to attorneys for the Saints' officials, it became clear their tactic was to claim defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was a "rogue coach." They used that term several times. But Vitt was a defensive coach & he didn't report any of this to Payton, so I don't see any relief of his 6-game suspension. The NFL said today, Payton & Loomis were informed the league was reopening their investigation into the allegations of a bounty system. Goodell called both Payton & Loomis to inform them & to warn if it was going on, it better stop immediately. Early this morning an audio tape that was recorded by an ESPN documentary film maker the night before the Saints-49ers playoff game. In it Williams spells out what he expects from his players. It was so bad, I doubt Williams will ever be allowed to coach in the NFL again. He was clearly heard naming Frisco players, how to hit them, how to hurt them. He said the first big hit on QB Alex Smith "was on him." Williams was reportedly rubbing his thumb, index & middle fingers together in that universal motion that means money. About WR Michael Crabtree, Williams said "let's see if he wants to be a M'f'n baby or he wants to be a tough guy. The way you can tell is hitting that outside ACL." He instructed his defenders to keep hitting RB Frank Gore in the head, "hit his head, in the pile, twist his head, twist his neck. Kill the head & the body will die." There were others, but you get the idea. Vitt was in this meeting, so he gets no slack. I don't see anybody from this franchise catching even the slightest break. We should know something soon, Monday-Tuesday at the latest. I think Williams, a native of Excelsior Springs Missouri, will be looking for employment outside the coaching profession for some time.
Three of the five Detroit Lions drafted last April(RB Mikel Leshoure, DT Nick Fairly & OT Johnny Culbreath) have been arrested for possession of marijuana since the first of the year. I read a great comment about this pathetic trend. "In a terrible economic world, most of these guys have zero backup plan to make a living & these guys are throwing away lottery tickets." Says it all for me.
Smoke 'em if ya got 'em
The word around Cowboy camp is they are salivating to draft Memphis DT Dontari Poe. They're praying he lasts until Dallas' 14th overall selection in round one. I wish the 'Boys would trade up ahead of the Chiefs so there's absolutely no chance the combine star will end up in red & gold.
San Diego re-signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a 1-year deal. He visited the Chiefs early on in the free agency period, but he didn't impress them enough or he wasn't overwhelmed with their offer.
Baltimore made cornerback Ladarius Webb a very happy man on Thursday. They signed him to a 6-year contract worth $50 million. It came with a $10 million signing bonus & another $14 million in guaranteed money. Webb was a key to their defense & G.M. Ozzie Newsome said all along they would get a deal done that would benefit both sides. Eight-time Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed was unhappy with the Webb deal, not that he's jealous or anything, but he's sitting around waiting for a new deal as well & since he's been a Raven 7-years longer than the Webb.
The Chiefs re-signed cornerback Travis Daniels to a new deal on Wednesday. Kansas City also announced their preseason opponents. Game dates will be firmed up in a few weeks but they will play Arizona & Seattle at Arrowhead while traveling to play St. Louis & Green Bay.
Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long
Petrino was not by himself, nope, he wasn't. After spending the afternoon with his wife & 4 kids at a nearby lake, Coach Bobby went for a ride on his motorcycle. He went to a nearby comuter parking lot where he picked up 25-year old Jessica Dorrell, a recently promoted employee in the Arkansas football program. Dorrell, a former Razorback volley ball player had worked in & around the athletic department & as a fund raiser for several years. CBSSports.com is reporting she is currently engaged to the swimming & diving coach at Arkansas. I'm guessing that relationship is probably doomed. Dorrell was on the bike with Petrino when he put it in the ditch & she was the one who flagged down the motorist. She was in the car with Petrino & he asked that the driver drop her back at her car, her injuries didn't require a visit to the emergency room. After Dorrell was dropped off & a 911 call, Petrino was taken to the hospital by an Arkansas State trooper. In Petrino's statement, after mentioning his injuries, "constant pain & being medicated" he came clean.
"The circumstances of the wreck have come out in bits & pieces. That said, I certainly had a concern about Jessica Dorrell's name being revealed. In my press conference I referred to her simply as "a lady." My concern was to protect my family & a previous inappropriate relationship from becoming public. In hindsight, I showed a serious mistake in judgement when I chose to not be more specific about those details. Today, I've acknowledged this previous inappropriate relationship with my family & those within the athletic department administration."
"I apologize to my wife Becky, our four children, Chancellor Gearhart, Jeff Long, the board of trustees, University administration, my coaching staff, our student athletes & the entire state of Arkansas. I have been humbled by the outpouring of concern & get well wishes. I apologize to the Razorback Nation for the attention my actions have brought to the University of Arkansas & our program. I will fully cooperate with the University throughout this process & my hope is to repair my relationships with my family, my athletic director, Razorback Nation & remain the coach of the Razorbacks."
Long said he received a call from Petrino late this afternoon with "information that had previously not been shared." That info was Jessica Dorrell. The two met face-to-face around 7PM & Petrino admitted to "an inappropriate relationship with Dorrell." Long immediately placed Petrino on paid administrative leave & named Taver Johnson interim coach. The Razorbacks spring game is this Saturday, nice timing coach. Long said the 51-year old Petrino would remain on leave until a full investigation is completed.
Jessica Dorrell & Bobby Petrino
Long time readers here know I have a very low opinion of Bobby Petrino, for the way he left the Louisville program & later, bailing on the Atlanta Falcons in mid-season. I think John Beckham, coach of Springfield-Hillcrest High School & adopted dad of the nations #1 recruit, Dorial Green-Beckham, had it right a few months ago. He mentioned Petrino's assistants leave for lesser or lateral jobs. He thought they were willing to take less just to get off Petrino's staff. He didn't like the heavy turnover of Arkansas coaches. I don't know if Petrino survives this. I'm sure Ms. Dorrell's employment & promotion will be examined closely, her engagement is certainly in doubt & it remains to be seen if Petrino's wife forgives him as well. I believe the more of these scandals we see, schools are going to take a tougher stance for humiliating the institution & the football program. Let's say he keeps his job but if you were the parent of a recruit, would you want this guy sitting in your living room selling you on his ability to mold your son's character?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell heard the appeals of Saints head coach Sean Payton, linebackers & assistant head coach Joe Vitt, general manager Mickey Loomis & the new Orleans' franchise, fined half-a-million dollars in the bounty scandal. Listening to attorneys for the Saints' officials, it became clear their tactic was to claim defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was a "rogue coach." They used that term several times. But Vitt was a defensive coach & he didn't report any of this to Payton, so I don't see any relief of his 6-game suspension. The NFL said today, Payton & Loomis were informed the league was reopening their investigation into the allegations of a bounty system. Goodell called both Payton & Loomis to inform them & to warn if it was going on, it better stop immediately. Early this morning an audio tape that was recorded by an ESPN documentary film maker the night before the Saints-49ers playoff game. In it Williams spells out what he expects from his players. It was so bad, I doubt Williams will ever be allowed to coach in the NFL again. He was clearly heard naming Frisco players, how to hit them, how to hurt them. He said the first big hit on QB Alex Smith "was on him." Williams was reportedly rubbing his thumb, index & middle fingers together in that universal motion that means money. About WR Michael Crabtree, Williams said "let's see if he wants to be a M'f'n baby or he wants to be a tough guy. The way you can tell is hitting that outside ACL." He instructed his defenders to keep hitting RB Frank Gore in the head, "hit his head, in the pile, twist his head, twist his neck. Kill the head & the body will die." There were others, but you get the idea. Vitt was in this meeting, so he gets no slack. I don't see anybody from this franchise catching even the slightest break. We should know something soon, Monday-Tuesday at the latest. I think Williams, a native of Excelsior Springs Missouri, will be looking for employment outside the coaching profession for some time.
Three of the five Detroit Lions drafted last April(RB Mikel Leshoure, DT Nick Fairly & OT Johnny Culbreath) have been arrested for possession of marijuana since the first of the year. I read a great comment about this pathetic trend. "In a terrible economic world, most of these guys have zero backup plan to make a living & these guys are throwing away lottery tickets." Says it all for me.
Smoke 'em if ya got 'em
The word around Cowboy camp is they are salivating to draft Memphis DT Dontari Poe. They're praying he lasts until Dallas' 14th overall selection in round one. I wish the 'Boys would trade up ahead of the Chiefs so there's absolutely no chance the combine star will end up in red & gold.
San Diego re-signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a 1-year deal. He visited the Chiefs early on in the free agency period, but he didn't impress them enough or he wasn't overwhelmed with their offer.
Baltimore made cornerback Ladarius Webb a very happy man on Thursday. They signed him to a 6-year contract worth $50 million. It came with a $10 million signing bonus & another $14 million in guaranteed money. Webb was a key to their defense & G.M. Ozzie Newsome said all along they would get a deal done that would benefit both sides. Eight-time Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed was unhappy with the Webb deal, not that he's jealous or anything, but he's sitting around waiting for a new deal as well & since he's been a Raven 7-years longer than the Webb.
The Chiefs re-signed cornerback Travis Daniels to a new deal on Wednesday. Kansas City also announced their preseason opponents. Game dates will be firmed up in a few weeks but they will play Arizona & Seattle at Arrowhead while traveling to play St. Louis & Green Bay.
You sanctimonious pr*ck,
Don't get your panties in a bunch over something that isn't any of your business. What Coach Petrino does on his off time is his private business, the only people he has to answer to is his family and U of A officials. We could care less what pathetic "sports-writer-wannabe's" have to say. Your opinion means zero. DGB's old man did him a great disservice by allowing him to pass on U of A and become a Misery Tiger. We can't wait to humiliate him, MU and ass clowns like you when the Tigers start playing in a real conference this fall. Mind your own business and write about something you obviously know something about, being a pathetic loser.
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I addressed all of your charges in another post. Read it & get a clue. This "pathetic loser" remembers when Arkansas was a great program nationally, with Petrino, there's good & bad. Yes you win more games than you have in over a decade, but at what price? There comes a time when winning football games just isn't enough to offset the "Bad" Bobby Petrino.
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