Posted by UATV Reporter Jade Saylors
Fayetteville, AR.- University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long held a press conference at 9:45 PM tonight to discuss new information regarding Head football Coach Bobby Petrino’s recent motorcycle accident. In a statement released earlier this week, the University of Arkansas said Petrino’s accident “involved no other individuals”. This afternoon the police report revealed that Petrino did have a passenger on the back of his Harley-Davidson at the time of the accident. The report said Jessica Dorrell, 25, a former Razorback volleyball player who is now the student-athlete coordinator for the Razorback football team was with Petrino at the time of the accident but it is unknown if she sustained any injuries.
Coach Petrino released this statement this evening:
“The state police report today provides an accurate description of my accident, which includes detail that had not publicly come to light prior to the report being issued. I regret that I have not publicly acknowledged a passenger on the vehicle. I have been in constant pain, medicated and the circumstances involving the wreck have come out in bits and 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 and a previous inappropriate relationship from becoming public. In hindsight, I showed a serious mistake in judgment when I chose not to be more specific about those details. Today, I’ve acknowledged this previous inappropriate relationship with my family and those within the athletic department administration.
I apologize to my wife, Becky, and our four children, Chancellor David Gearhart, Jeff Long, the Board of Trustees, University administration, my coaching staff, student-athletes and the entire state of Arkansas. I have been humbled by the outpouring of concern and get-well wishes. I apologize to the Razorback Nation for the attention my actions have brought to the University of Arkansas and our program. I will fully cooperate with the University throughout this process and my hope is to repair my relationships with my family, my Athletic Director, the Razorback Nation and remain the head coach of the Razorbacks.”
During the press conference Athletic Director Jeff Long said that Coach Petrino has been placed on payed administrative leave until he is able to review the circumstances of the situation and determine if any follow-up actions will be necessary.
We will have updates on the story as they are released, check back later for more.