Fayetteville, AR- University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long announced at a press conference tonight that he has made a final decision concerning Head Football Coach Bobby Petrino. Long said that he had to look beyond the accident and at the behavior of the former coach, “he [Petrino] jeopardized the integrity of the football program”. Director Long discussed the findings of his investigation stating, “Coach Petrino knowingly mislead the University of Arkansas about things that happened with the accident”. Long also said that Petrino’s relationship with Dorrell was not against University policy but that hiring her was a conflict of interest, saying that Dorrell was one of over 100 applicants for the position. Director Long said Petrino “engaged in a pattern of manipulative and misleading behavior” that has “put his relationship with Dorrell in the national spotlight and consequently has been terminated”. Long said he spoke with coaching staff and players encouraging them to continue with spring practices and their studies. Long said he will begin searching for a new head coach immediately after the press conference convenes and that Tavern Johnson will take over as interim head coach until April 21. Long said that Petrino was fired with cause — meaning he will not receive a multi-million dollar buyout — and that there were no discussions about ways to keep Petrino at Arkansas.
University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart tonight issued the following statement in response to tonight’s announcement regarding Bobby Petrino.
“This is a sad day for the University of Arkansas and Razorback sports. After a thorough review, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long has made his decision.
“Mr. Petrino’s contract establishes a process by which he may have his termination decision reviewed. Under that process, the review would ultimately come to me for consideration and action.
“Given my role in the review process as Chancellor, I must decline further comment on today’s announcement.”
BREAKING NEWS- Athletic Director Jeff Long announced he will meet with the media at 7:15 pm.
It is expected he is discussing the future of Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino.
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