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Bobby Petrino to step down (1 Viewer)

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Balco said:
menobrown said:
PatrickT said:
Clayton, If you are happy with your new coach, why do you care what others think?
I don't know why I care.I would have the same view regardless of the school involved, but I'm in this thread because [cliche] Petrino is now part of the Razorback family. [/cliche]
Now I understand why you're defending him. Trying to convince yourself your school didn't hire a pretty despicable human being.Tell you what. Let me know how comfy you are with Petrino when whispers of an opening at Auburn or LSU are being heard.
I'm not worried about that in the least. I don't think he's going to be Patreno and roam the sidelines for the next half century but we sure know he won't be going back to the pros and no reason to leave Arkansas. One thing you and others seem to forget is that Petrino has been very consistent in his desire to be in the SEC , which is why he listened to LSU and Auburn in the past and why he jumped at this job. He's got what he wants and I see no reason why he would ever bolt to one of those schools especially when it's debatable if they are even better jobs. LSU and Nebraska wanted Houston Nutt as well but he stayed because the Arkansas job is a good one and he knew that. Auburn had to re-up Tuberville because he was interested in Arkansas as well as Clemson with Bowden. Bottom line is he knows he does not like the pro's and he's finally got a job in the conference he's alwasy wanted to be in and I firmly believe he'll be spending a long time at.
You're not worried in the least? Are you serious? He had no real reason to leave Louisville either. Sure they weren't the most prestigious school, but there was plenty of money and he'd put them on the national map. He had a shot to do unheard of things there, but he bolted for the NFL. Now, a lot of people are trying to say "Well, he discovered he didn't like the NFL". Bull. He'd been in the NFL with JAX. He knew precisely what he was getting into.I thought I had some blind homerism, but dayum. Not worried in the least. Amazing.
Are you kidding me? Louisville can't hold a candle to the Arkansas job. Go check your facts and you will Petrino's interest was always in joining the SEC. It's not about the money, he took less to run to Arkansas than the Falcons pay him but a good job in the SEC trumps the hell out of a the Louisville jog. And BTW- his contract states he can't go to another SEC West school for 4 years and the buyout to go to a SEC East team is $3 mill. Since he's in the conference he always wanted to be in and since his options to go to another school in the conference are limited I'll repeat I'm not concerned with him leaving anytime soon. The guy's been a HC on the collegiate level once and he stayed multiple years at an inferior football program so I think reports of him constantly being on the go are a bit overdone.
Not looking to hijack here, but as to your inferior program commnent - How many BCS bowls has Arkansas won? Louisville? I will patiently wait for your answer.
Ok, you waited patiently here is your answer. Louisville is in the Big East. Arkansas is in the SEC. Put Louisville in the SEC that year, they probably finish about where Arkansas did. The SEC beats up on each other every week. Louisville had to beat 2-3 teams and then it was a cake walk from there.
 
Master of Past and Present said:
elwayfan446 said:
Petrino to staff:

Petrino called a staff meeting late Tuesday afternoon, a meeting which last about 10 seconds, sources said.

"He just said to us, 'Guys I've resigned, I'm going to Arkansas. I'm sorry. I'll be talking with you guys in the future.' And with that he turned and walked out the door. We haven't been told anything else," said one assistant coach.
This guy is sounding more and more like a POS. This "meeting" just proves all he cares about is himself. Cheer up ATL fans, hopefully next year you will have a real coach.
Wow, if that is true he is a complete POS. As a Falcons fan I hope this guy never sniffs a pro job again and if he has a dream job I hope he gets rejected if he is ever up for it. Bye bye loser.
I am not debating that he could have handled it better... he could have. However, how is this any worse than your Falcons firing Dan Reeves with with 3 games left in the season? It's not. It's ok for an owner not to honor his word, but if a coach does it, he is a coward and a loser. Bottom line is the Falcons are a mess, they didn't respect their coach one bit, and Petrino said "I don't have to put up with this ####, I am out". In my opinion, the only thing he did wrong was not meet his players and tell them fact to face. Otherwise, I don't blame him.
Reeves got paid, what did the Falcons get? Since Reeves got paid, he did keep his word partially where in no way did Petrino keep his. If owners did not have to keep paying coaches they fire, it would THEN be the same. Until the coaches have some consequence to their actions, it just ISN'T the same.
Money is a weak argument. We are talking about the integrity and manner in which he left. I don't buy it that an owner can bail on his coach with 3 games left because he can simply pay him, but a coach is a coward for leaving a situation where he was not respected 3 games early. BS.
 
elwayfan446 said:
Petrino to staff:

Petrino called a staff meeting late Tuesday afternoon, a meeting which last about 10 seconds, sources said.

"He just said to us, 'Guys I've resigned, I'm going to Arkansas. I'm sorry. I'll be talking with you guys in the future.' And with that he turned and walked out the door. We haven't been told anything else," said one assistant coach.
This guy is sounding more and more like a POS. This "meeting" just proves all he cares about is himself. Cheer up ATL fans, hopefully next year you will have a real coach.
Wow, if that is true he is a complete POS. As a Falcons fan I hope this guy never sniffs a pro job again and if he has a dream job I hope he gets rejected if he is ever up for it. Bye bye loser.
I am not debating that he could have handled it better... he could have. However, how is this any worse than your Falcons firing Dan Reeves with with 3 games left in the season? It's not. It's ok for an owner not to honor his word, but if a coach does it, he is a coward and a loser. Bottom line is the Falcons are a mess, they didn't respect their coach one bit, and Petrino said "I don't have to put up with this ####, I am out". In my opinion, the only thing he did wrong was not meet his players and tell them fact to face. Otherwise, I don't blame him.
I was here, that's not how it happened. Blank intended to fire him after the season. As a rookie he owner, he botched it, and it got leaked. Reeves decided not to be a lame duck and resigned. The difference was that it was a mistake on Blank's part, not intentional.Could you provide one fact that would indicate that the Falcons management did not respect their coach? Blank went in the booth on MNF and expressed his absolute faith in the coach on national TV, supported him 100% throughout this entire dismal year, only to get pissed on. Respect is earned, and Petrino's coming up empty here.
Your boy Deangelo Hall said it himself... during the season and after this all unfolded. Blank may have respected him, but his players didn't. The spoiled brats were above him.
 
Master of Past and Present said:
elwayfan446 said:
Petrino to staff:

Petrino called a staff meeting late Tuesday afternoon, a meeting which last about 10 seconds, sources said.

"He just said to us, 'Guys I've resigned, I'm going to Arkansas. I'm sorry. I'll be talking with you guys in the future.' And with that he turned and walked out the door. We haven't been told anything else," said one assistant coach.
This guy is sounding more and more like a POS. This "meeting" just proves all he cares about is himself. Cheer up ATL fans, hopefully next year you will have a real coach.
Wow, if that is true he is a complete POS. As a Falcons fan I hope this guy never sniffs a pro job again and if he has a dream job I hope he gets rejected if he is ever up for it. Bye bye loser.
I am not debating that he could have handled it better... he could have. However, how is this any worse than your Falcons firing Dan Reeves with with 3 games left in the season? It's not. It's ok for an owner not to honor his word, but if a coach does it, he is a coward and a loser. Bottom line is the Falcons are a mess, they didn't respect their coach one bit, and Petrino said "I don't have to put up with this ####, I am out". In my opinion, the only thing he did wrong was not meet his players and tell them fact to face. Otherwise, I don't blame him.
Reeves got paid, what did the Falcons get? Since Reeves got paid, he did keep his word partially where in no way did Petrino keep his. If owners did not have to keep paying coaches they fire, it would THEN be the same. Until the coaches have some consequence to their actions, it just ISN'T the same.
Money is a weak argument. We are talking about the integrity and manner in which he left. I don't buy it that an owner can bail on his coach with 3 games left because he can simply pay him, but a coach is a coward for leaving a situation where he was not respected 3 games early. BS.
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.

One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.

 
Master of Past and Present said:
elwayfan446 said:
Petrino to staff:

Petrino called a staff meeting late Tuesday afternoon, a meeting which last about 10 seconds, sources said.

"He just said to us, 'Guys I've resigned, I'm going to Arkansas. I'm sorry. I'll be talking with you guys in the future.' And with that he turned and walked out the door. We haven't been told anything else," said one assistant coach.
This guy is sounding more and more like a POS. This "meeting" just proves all he cares about is himself. Cheer up ATL fans, hopefully next year you will have a real coach.
Wow, if that is true he is a complete POS. As a Falcons fan I hope this guy never sniffs a pro job again and if he has a dream job I hope he gets rejected if he is ever up for it. Bye bye loser.
I am not debating that he could have handled it better... he could have. However, how is this any worse than your Falcons firing Dan Reeves with with 3 games left in the season? It's not. It's ok for an owner not to honor his word, but if a coach does it, he is a coward and a loser. Bottom line is the Falcons are a mess, they didn't respect their coach one bit, and Petrino said "I don't have to put up with this ####, I am out". In my opinion, the only thing he did wrong was not meet his players and tell them fact to face. Otherwise, I don't blame him.
Reeves got paid, what did the Falcons get? Since Reeves got paid, he did keep his word partially where in no way did Petrino keep his. If owners did not have to keep paying coaches they fire, it would THEN be the same. Until the coaches have some consequence to their actions, it just ISN'T the same.
Money is a weak argument. We are talking about the integrity and manner in which he left. I don't buy it that an owner can bail on his coach with 3 games left because he can simply pay him, but a coach is a coward for leaving a situation where he was not respected 3 games early. BS.
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.

One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.

 
Master of Past and Present said:
elwayfan446 said:
Petrino to staff:

Petrino called a staff meeting late Tuesday afternoon, a meeting which last about 10 seconds, sources said.

"He just said to us, 'Guys I've resigned, I'm going to Arkansas. I'm sorry. I'll be talking with you guys in the future.' And with that he turned and walked out the door. We haven't been told anything else," said one assistant coach.
This guy is sounding more and more like a POS. This "meeting" just proves all he cares about is himself. Cheer up ATL fans, hopefully next year you will have a real coach.
Wow, if that is true he is a complete POS. As a Falcons fan I hope this guy never sniffs a pro job again and if he has a dream job I hope he gets rejected if he is ever up for it. Bye bye loser.
I am not debating that he could have handled it better... he could have. However, how is this any worse than your Falcons firing Dan Reeves with with 3 games left in the season? It's not. It's ok for an owner not to honor his word, but if a coach does it, he is a coward and a loser. Bottom line is the Falcons are a mess, they didn't respect their coach one bit, and Petrino said "I don't have to put up with this ####, I am out". In my opinion, the only thing he did wrong was not meet his players and tell them fact to face. Otherwise, I don't blame him.
Reeves got paid, what did the Falcons get? Since Reeves got paid, he did keep his word partially where in no way did Petrino keep his. If owners did not have to keep paying coaches they fire, it would THEN be the same. Until the coaches have some consequence to their actions, it just ISN'T the same.
Money is a weak argument. We are talking about the integrity and manner in which he left. I don't buy it that an owner can bail on his coach with 3 games left because he can simply pay him, but a coach is a coward for leaving a situation where he was not respected 3 games early. BS.
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.

One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
 
Master of Past and Present said:
elwayfan446 said:
Petrino to staff:

Petrino called a staff meeting late Tuesday afternoon, a meeting which last about 10 seconds, sources said.

"He just said to us, 'Guys I've resigned, I'm going to Arkansas. I'm sorry. I'll be talking with you guys in the future.' And with that he turned and walked out the door. We haven't been told anything else," said one assistant coach.
This guy is sounding more and more like a POS. This "meeting" just proves all he cares about is himself. Cheer up ATL fans, hopefully next year you will have a real coach.
Wow, if that is true he is a complete POS. As a Falcons fan I hope this guy never sniffs a pro job again and if he has a dream job I hope he gets rejected if he is ever up for it. Bye bye loser.
I am not debating that he could have handled it better... he could have. However, how is this any worse than your Falcons firing Dan Reeves with with 3 games left in the season? It's not. It's ok for an owner not to honor his word, but if a coach does it, he is a coward and a loser. Bottom line is the Falcons are a mess, they didn't respect their coach one bit, and Petrino said "I don't have to put up with this ####, I am out". In my opinion, the only thing he did wrong was not meet his players and tell them fact to face. Otherwise, I don't blame him.
Reeves got paid, what did the Falcons get? Since Reeves got paid, he did keep his word partially where in no way did Petrino keep his. If owners did not have to keep paying coaches they fire, it would THEN be the same. Until the coaches have some consequence to their actions, it just ISN'T the same.
Money is a weak argument. We are talking about the integrity and manner in which he left. I don't buy it that an owner can bail on his coach with 3 games left because he can simply pay him, but a coach is a coward for leaving a situation where he was not respected 3 games early. BS.
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.

One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
It is easy to say that when they never gave him a chance. Again, not defending how he left... just why.
 
From the USA Today article linked to a couple pages back: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...o-falcons_x.htm

"After the 2004 season, he signed a contract extension with Louisville and interviewed for the LSU job just a week later."

Then,

"Last summer, Petrino signed a 10-year contract worth at least $25.5.million. He said at the time that he hoped it would stop speculation about other openings. He even insisted that Jurich include a $1 million buyout clause.

Petrino was in line to collect a $1.million loyalty bonus if he were still the coach on July 1.

"For me and my family, Louisville is my home," Petrino said after signing the new contract. "I also wanted to make sure that everyone understood — and I know I've said it — that this is where my family wants to be and where I want to be."

Petrino's name was mentioned when vacancies arose at Miami and Alabama. That prompted him to release a statement in late November in which he said, "I am not a candidate for any job openings."

 
From the USA Today article linked to a couple pages back: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...o-falcons_x.htm

"After the 2004 season, he signed a contract extension with Louisville and interviewed for the LSU job just a week later."

Then,

"Last summer, Petrino signed a 10-year contract worth at least $25.5.million. He said at the time that he hoped it would stop speculation about other openings. He even insisted that Jurich include a $1 million buyout clause.

Petrino was in line to collect a $1.million loyalty bonus if he were still the coach on July 1.

"For me and my family, Louisville is my home," Petrino said after signing the new contract. "I also wanted to make sure that everyone understood — and I know I've said it — that this is where my family wants to be and where I want to be."

Petrino's name was mentioned when vacancies arose at Miami and Alabama. That prompted him to release a statement in late November in which he said, "I am not a candidate for any job openings."
Bobby Petrino is a scumbag. I dont know how anyone can look at it differently.At a time when Tommy Tubberville was still the Auburn coach, Petrino was interviewing for the Auburn head coaches job at the airport because Auburn was presumeably going to let Tubberville go.

He told his owner on Monday that he was staying and then stood up there at the Tuesday press conference and acted as if Arkansas had just contacted him that morning.

The Atlanta players were understandably upset because the team was underperforming and Petrino felt he had to make a "this is my team" type of statement and he cut Grady Jackson, a well respected veteran. The way in which that was handled did not go over well with the players.

Petrino is a coward and a two-faced liar.

 
PatrickT said:
Clayton, If you are happy with your new coach, why do you care what others think?
I don't know why I care.I would have the same view regardless of the school involved, but I'm in this thread because [cliche] Petrino is now part of the Razorback family. [/cliche]
Now I understand why you're defending him. Trying to convince yourself your school didn't hire a pretty despicable human being.Tell you what. Let me know how comfy you are with Petrino when whispers of an opening at Auburn or LSU are being heard.
:goodposting:You talk of him like he killed dogs and committed federal crimes.
Way to dodge the question by assuming I support Vick just because I'm a Falcon fan.
If he does, he does. Nutt did it, all coaches do it.Your double standard between coaches bailing on their contract and owners bailing on their coaches hurts your argument across the board (except for the fact that Petrino should have addressed his team personally).
You really need to read my posts, if you're going to comment on what my arguments are. I have no double-standard, nor have I expressed one. I was critical of Blank's handling of Reeves, but it was an obvious rookie owner mistake, not a malevolent maneuver. I'm also on record saying I have no problems with the fact that Petrino decided to go back to college.Let's put it this way. This thing could've happened like this. Let's assume, for a second, the complete fantasy that Petrino simply changed his mind on Monday night and decided he wanted to go to Arkansas is true. He could've called his agent, told him of his decision, and let Arkansas know he was ready to sign. He then could've used Tuesday to find Blank, sit down with him and say, "I'm sorry, I changed my mind." He then could've used Tuesday or Wednesday to call the players together and let them know. Then he could go have a press conference on Thursday, with his integrity pretty intact. I would've been angry, but I would've calmed down and at least given him the benefit of the doubt.But the way he did it is, IMO, an absolute smoking gun that he's known for awhile what he was going to do, and lied about it. And then, like a coward, couldn't stand face-to-face with the people he lied to. Even on Tuesday, when he called Blank to tell him, wouldn't even tell him then that he'd taken the Arkansas job. He just said I'm not sure what I'm going to do. A few hours later, he was preening on TV in front of a Razorbacks banner.Now, to me, this makes the man a characterless, cowardly *******.To you, an Arkansas homer, you're gonna continue to come up with weak arguments to defend the man like "but, but, owners do it too!!!", and "Players do it too!!". Hey, you're not alone. Pretty much any homer of any team will do it so they don't have to admit that they're alma mater just hired a slimeball. Or, they don't care if he's a slimeball, as long as he wins. Integrity is always important... for the other team.Now, let's talk about this respect thing from the players. I was vocal on the Falcons boards that Alge and Hall should shut up. That the newspapers weren't the place to do it. But, of course, they didn't listen to me, they did it anyway. So, Petrino had to deal with some adversity. Boo freakin' hoo. Apparently he's not equipped. Player after player has come out saying he was unapproachable, didn't listen, didn't communicate at all, so they obviously felt they were getting no respect and reciprocated. Hell, some of them weren't even informed whether or not they were starting until they go to the staduim. Joey found out he wasn't starting at a press conference, from the reporters. I still don't support the way they did it, but there it is. Adversity on your team. Well, gee, I guess any coach who has to deal with adversity should just go find a new job, huh? No reason to man up and deal with it, or anything, just cut and run to greener pastures.There's your new coach. Pray his agent doesn't find a loophole in the 4 year stipulation. Then again, there's an opening in Michigan.
 
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
It is easy to say that when they never gave him a chance. Again, not defending how he left... just why.
This is where we disagree. I don't think "The players aren't being nice to me" is a valid reason to leave.
 
PatrickT said:
Clayton,

If you are happy with your new coach, why do you care what others think?
I don't know why I care.I would have the same view regardless of the school involved, but I'm in this thread because [cliche] Petrino is now part of the Razorback family. [/cliche]
Now I understand why you're defending him. Trying to convince yourself your school didn't hire a pretty despicable human being.Tell you what. Let me know how comfy you are with Petrino when whispers of an opening at Auburn or LSU are being heard.
:cry: You talk of him like he killed dogs and committed federal crimes.
Way to dodge the question by assuming I support Vick just because I'm a Falcon fan.
If he does, he does. Nutt did it, all coaches do it.Your double standard between coaches bailing on their contract and owners bailing on their coaches hurts your argument across the board (except for the fact that Petrino should have addressed his team personally).
You really need to read my posts, if you're going to comment on what my arguments are. I have no double-standard, nor have I expressed one. I was critical of Blank's handling of Reeves, but it was an obvious rookie owner mistake, not a malevolent maneuver. I'm also on record saying I have no problems with the fact that Petrino decided to go back to college.Let's put it this way. This thing could've happened like this. Let's assume, for a second, the complete fantasy that Petrino simply changed his mind on Monday night and decided he wanted to go to Arkansas is true. He could've called his agent, told him of his decision, and let Arkansas know he was ready to sign. He then could've used Tuesday to find Blank, sit down with him and say, "I'm sorry, I changed my mind." He then could've used Tuesday or Wednesday to call the players together and let them know. Then he could go have a press conference on Thursday, with his integrity pretty intact. I would've been angry, but I would've calmed down and at least given him the benefit of the doubt.

But the way he did it is, IMO, an absolute smoking gun that he's known for awhile what he was going to do, and lied about it. And then, like a coward, couldn't stand face-to-face with the people he lied to. Even on Tuesday, when he called Blank to tell him, wouldn't even tell him then that he'd taken the Arkansas job. He just said I'm not sure what I'm going to do. A few hours later, he was preening on TV in front of a Razorbacks banner.

Now, to me, this makes the man a characterless, cowardly *******.

To you, an Arkansas homer, you're gonna continue to come up with weak arguments to defend the man like "but, but, owners do it too!!!", and "Players do it too!!". Hey, you're not alone. Pretty much any homer of any team will do it so they don't have to admit that they're alma mater just hired a slimeball. Or, they don't care if he's a slimeball, as long as he wins. Integrity is always important... for the other team.

Now, let's talk about this respect thing from the players. I was vocal on the Falcons boards that Alge and Hall should shut up. That the newspapers weren't the place to do it. But, of course, they didn't listen to me, they did it anyway. So, Petrino had to deal with some adversity. Boo freakin' hoo. Apparently he's not equipped. Player after player has come out saying he was unapproachable, didn't listen, didn't communicate at all, so they obviously felt they were getting no respect and reciprocated. Hell, some of them weren't even informed whether or not they were starting until they go to the staduim. Joey found out he wasn't starting at a press conference, from the reporters. I still don't support the way they did it, but there it is. Adversity on your team. Well, gee, I guess any coach who has to deal with adversity should just go find a new job, huh? No reason to man up and deal with it, or anything, just cut and run to greener pastures.

There's your new coach. Pray his agent doesn't find a loophole in the 4 year stipulation. Then again, there's an opening in Michigan.
You mean just like an Atlanta Falcon homer who will continue to piss and moan about this man's character without even trying to look at his side of things? I have said all along that he handled it poorly, but it is becoming more apparent that he had a reason to get the hell out of there.I am not going to sit here and argue with you anymore on this. You can take every point you are making and look at it from the other side, yet you choose not to. I understand your frustration and you have every right to be. However, if you are not willing to look at both sides a little more objectively just because your team was the one left at the alter then there is no way to possibly have a logical discussion about this.

 
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
It is easy to say that when they never gave him a chance. Again, not defending how he left... just why.
This is where we disagree. I don't think "The players aren't being nice to me" is a valid reason to leave.
Apparently it was a valid reason for Michael Strahan to hold out and for Tiki Barber to retire. The Giants players have been pissing and moaning for years about their coach. Holding out, retiring and whining to the press. Again, double standard for players/owners vs coaches.
 
PatrickT said:
Clayton,

If you are happy with your new coach, why do you care what others think?
I don't know why I care.I would have the same view regardless of the school involved, but I'm in this thread because [cliche] Petrino is now part of the Razorback family. [/cliche]
Now I understand why you're defending him. Trying to convince yourself your school didn't hire a pretty despicable human being.Tell you what. Let me know how comfy you are with Petrino when whispers of an opening at Auburn or LSU are being heard.
:hophead: You talk of him like he killed dogs and committed federal crimes.
Way to dodge the question by assuming I support Vick just because I'm a Falcon fan.
If he does, he does. Nutt did it, all coaches do it.Your double standard between coaches bailing on their contract and owners bailing on their coaches hurts your argument across the board (except for the fact that Petrino should have addressed his team personally).
You really need to read my posts, if you're going to comment on what my arguments are. I have no double-standard, nor have I expressed one. I was critical of Blank's handling of Reeves, but it was an obvious rookie owner mistake, not a malevolent maneuver. I'm also on record saying I have no problems with the fact that Petrino decided to go back to college.Let's put it this way. This thing could've happened like this. Let's assume, for a second, the complete fantasy that Petrino simply changed his mind on Monday night and decided he wanted to go to Arkansas is true. He could've called his agent, told him of his decision, and let Arkansas know he was ready to sign. He then could've used Tuesday to find Blank, sit down with him and say, "I'm sorry, I changed my mind." He then could've used Tuesday or Wednesday to call the players together and let them know. Then he could go have a press conference on Thursday, with his integrity pretty intact. I would've been angry, but I would've calmed down and at least given him the benefit of the doubt.

But the way he did it is, IMO, an absolute smoking gun that he's known for awhile what he was going to do, and lied about it. And then, like a coward, couldn't stand face-to-face with the people he lied to. Even on Tuesday, when he called Blank to tell him, wouldn't even tell him then that he'd taken the Arkansas job. He just said I'm not sure what I'm going to do. A few hours later, he was preening on TV in front of a Razorbacks banner.

Now, to me, this makes the man a characterless, cowardly *******.

To you, an Arkansas homer, you're gonna continue to come up with weak arguments to defend the man like "but, but, owners do it too!!!", and "Players do it too!!". Hey, you're not alone. Pretty much any homer of any team will do it so they don't have to admit that they're alma mater just hired a slimeball. Or, they don't care if he's a slimeball, as long as he wins. Integrity is always important... for the other team.

Now, let's talk about this respect thing from the players. I was vocal on the Falcons boards that Alge and Hall should shut up. That the newspapers weren't the place to do it. But, of course, they didn't listen to me, they did it anyway. So, Petrino had to deal with some adversity. Boo freakin' hoo. Apparently he's not equipped. Player after player has come out saying he was unapproachable, didn't listen, didn't communicate at all, so they obviously felt they were getting no respect and reciprocated. Hell, some of them weren't even informed whether or not they were starting until they go to the staduim. Joey found out he wasn't starting at a press conference, from the reporters. I still don't support the way they did it, but there it is. Adversity on your team. Well, gee, I guess any coach who has to deal with adversity should just go find a new job, huh? No reason to man up and deal with it, or anything, just cut and run to greener pastures.

There's your new coach. Pray his agent doesn't find a loophole in the 4 year stipulation. Then again, there's an opening in Michigan.
You mean just like an Atlanta Falcon homer who will continue to piss and moan about this man's character without even trying to look at his side of things? I have said all along that he handled it poorly, but it is becoming more apparent that he had a reason to get the hell out of there.I am not going to sit here and argue with you anymore on this. You can take every point you are making and look at it from the other side, yet you choose not to. I understand your frustration and you have every right to be. However, if you are not willing to look at both sides a little more objectively just because your team was the one left at the alter then there is no way to possibly have a logical discussion about this.
I'd be happy to listen to his side. And have listened to the minimal amount that he's given, and it doesn't match his actions. Too bad he didn't hang around long enough to give more. But I'm tired of arguing it as well. Especially when no other side has been presented that matches the facts.I hope, for your and Razorback fans sake, that you're right.

 
Petrino's contract. I'm done arguing the relative merits of his character. I just wonder how ironclad these items are, especially the second one. It does only specify the SEC west, not the entire SEC.

In the event that you choose to terminate this employment agreement to accept a college or professional coaching position during the first four years of the initial term of your employment agreement or any extensions thereto, you will be responsible to pay liquidated damages to the University in the amount of Two Million Eight Hundred Fifty Thousand and Noll 00 Dollars ($2,850,000.00). The liquidated damages provision shall not apply during the fifth year ofthe initial term of your employment agreement.

Your employment agreement will contain a covenant not to compete against the University of Arkansas. Accordingly, this provision will include your promise and covenant not to accept employment in any coaching capacity with another SEC Western Division school prior to the expiration date of the initial term and any extensions of the term of your employment agreement with the University. In the event the University terminates you for its convenience, the covenant not to compete shall not apply.

 
GordonGekko said:
Koya said:
Knowing what you know, would you hire Petrino for one of the most essential positions within your company - one that will make or break your company's performance both short and especially long term?
It's a good question and it's a fair question. My viewpoint is this

A) Anyone comparing Petrino or any head coach/potential head coach in college and pro sports to the average American work grunt is really making an apples and oranges argument. I think people make the assumption that coaching has less of an attrition/filtering process than pro athletes do. Consider for a head coaching candidate, his bread and butter is practical experience. Unlike many prestigious jobs out there, there is no "school" you can go to for learning the stock and trade. The natural order of competition also filters out candidates. Successful coordinators get esteem and are recategorized as blue chip coaching prospects, but only at the cost of making many many many more coordinators look bad in the process. There just aren't many candidates out there period for these elite jobs. If I needed a manager in a corporate level job, well there are tons of candidates out there. If I needed a head coach of a relatively elite college team?

Would I hire Petrino to manage a factory? Maybe not. Would I hire Petrino to manage my elite football team, even with his current situation? Maybe. He's working against a much smaller pool of candidates and his skill set is probably very very unique given his industry. (It has to be unique for him to have survived and moved up to be a head coach in the first place)

B) At some level, with even the most prestigious jobs, it is still evolves to a management job. Plenty of cops become captains and chiefs. Plenty of doctors become administrators. Plenty of engineers become bureaucrats. Plenty of any job makes you a manager more than the job you trained for in the first place. Why is a head coaching position any different. Many cops don't actually do police work anymore, they manage other cops. Plenty of head coaches don't actually coach anymore, they manage other coaches. Often they manage coordinators who manage other lower level coaches. And those coaches do much coaching? Or do they simply try to refine what college coaches have taught, which was a refinement of what high school coaches have taught. I can rise through the ranks based on my coaching prowess, but at some point, I'm just another manager. Am I any good at managing? I could be the best engineer in the world, but rising up through my skill and accomplishments, I might be a lousy leader. Oppenheimer did some teaching once, one of the greatest minds ever in human history, and he was openly considered a pretty lousy college professor.

Petrino probably did not fail in terms of his technical football coaching, he most likely failed to handle a more elevated form of management. More pressure, more money, bigger stakes, more press, more stress, more complications.

People wonder why Herm Edwards still has a job. He might be a lousy technical coach ( Of that I'm almost certain. Yes, I am an Oakland Raiders fan. Yes I took a shot at the KC Chiefs. Someone please restrain Kevin Ashcraft before he lobbies to get me banned here) but maybe he's a pretty decent manager of coaches and players.

C) Petrino's one true Ace card was something that could have made him a great short to long term hire. Petrino is at a clear disadvantage compared to heavily experienced NFL coordinators. His learning curve must be faster and more precise. More must go right than go wrong. But Petrino's bread and butter should have been the draft. Bill Walsh and Jimmy "Helmet Head" Johnson are considered the most successful college to pro coaching transitions. Both were great with personnel and drafting within their systems. Jimmy Johnson didn't just watch film, he probably recruited and knew and saw alot of those Cowboy draftees that built his dynasty. There is no excuse, none whatsoever, for a recent college coach who jumped the pros to ever have a bad draft. Not one excuse ever. That coach had the most recent and up close intel of anyone, even over many pro coaches. Obviously Petrino did not last long enough to see the fruition of multiple drafts regarding players in his college coaching frame of reference.

Would I hire Petrino as a long term prospect? Well part of his job is to stock me with good personnel. Personnel that he has face time and game time with and against. That raw intel is very powerful. Powerful enough to sink me or raise me up. How many people can give you that kind of intel? I mean true intel within context and perspective? I'm not talking Mel Kiper Jr here, I'm talking real trigger time. Again, apples and oranges, Petrino comes from a very limited pool that's been heavily filtered.

The Petrino issue, at some level, is really a personnel issue given the context of the industry in question with it's limitations and needs. Would I hire him? Maybe I would. Do you assume we got the whole truth? (This is sports journalism we are talking about here, is there any profession that's taken a nosedive in perception of integrity more than journalists and the general news media in the last few decades? I would rather piss on an ax murderer set on fire than a sports journalist set on fire. If it's Peter King, I'll just dump his coffee on his charcoaled carcass. ) I don't believe we got the whole truth.

How many times have we, as regular guys, been in work situations where the perception of reality screwed us when the truth, the truth we knew would never see the light of day, was an entirely different ballgame?

At the end of the day, Petrino didn't work out in Atlanta. Hell, Angry Bill didn't work out for the Browns did he? All the issue tells us is Petrino wasn't a good fit for Atlanta, nothing more, nothing less.

Michael Vick probably danced in his living room naked covered in jam when he found out about CameraGate. Robert Kraft probably did the Electric Slide when he found out Sean Taylor got clipped. And soon Bobby Petrino will probably do the Ickey Shuffle when the next sad sordid NFL topic the day pushes him to the back page of the sports section. Or how many of you remember that Latrell Sprewell choked his coach? Jason Williams blew someone away with a shotgun? Wade Boggs used to tote his mistress around on the Red Sox's away trips?

The only truth is Bobby Petrino is a coward this week. Next week it will be someone else's turn. And the Falcons will still need a new head coach regardless of what Petrino does or says or how he is ultimately perceived.

The Petrino issue will move on.

And so should we.
GG - I appreciate the well thought out response. You bring up many accurate points, and it seems by your language that you would have a big issue hiring him, though you don't count out the possibility that you would. More than fair.I guess the bolded part is what is most important to me. When you are building a program, like building a company, you need to make some tough decisions. But in the end, the overall philosophy of management and the culture that is built can make or break a program/company. That culture becomes who and what you are... it may lead to more or less wins. It may win to being a more or less respected program. But that culture may be one of the pillars of "what" your program/company becomes.

When you begin with someone that we both admit is a coward, I just don't see the long term benefits. To win at the expense of not respecting your own decision or the people you hire? That is not for me. Others may be more focused on short term goals like a few more wins. To me, if you are going to truly build something special, you can not build it upon a foundation of putting wins over respect, and putting cowardice over a true leader in the most important leadership position within your company.

That is my personal take - and I understand that it is easier to type than to live that mantra.

 
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
It is easy to say that when they never gave him a chance. Again, not defending how he left... just why.
This is where we disagree. I don't think "The players aren't being nice to me" is a valid reason to leave.
Apparently it was a valid reason for Michael Strahan to hold out and for Tiki Barber to retire. The Giants players have been pissing and moaning for years about their coach. Holding out, retiring and whining to the press. Again, double standard for players/owners vs coaches.
Those examples don't wash for a few reasons. #1, Strahan wanted to A) skip training camp, and B) get more money. #2, You don't expect coaches to be a bit more mature than their players? They aren't on the same level, and relly, if your coach is going to bail out of town every time he has a problem with one of his players, let's hope no one on Arkansas hurts his feelings.Bringing up Coughlin is a great idea. How about Parcells? Lombardi? All of them had problems with their players in the beginning.
 
I'd be happy to listen to his side.
Here goes:
Russ Campbell has watched Bobby Petrino take shot after shot since leaving the Atlanta Falcons for Arkansas.

On Thursday, Campbell, who represents Petrino, fired back.

"Bobby Petrino was blindsided," Campbell told me in a 30-minute phone conversation. "I was blindsided. Arkansas was blindsided."

How so? Campbell said from the time they hired Petrino last January and signed him to a contract without a buyout, the Falcons assured the coach of something. They would not stand in his way should he decide to return to the college game.

Campbell said Falcons owner Arthur Blank reiterated that pledge to Petrino "two or three weeks ago."

Atlanta's attitude changed Monday, Campbell said, "and it wasn't a subtle change. They said, if you leave, we've got to fight you."

Last week, Campbell said, Arkansas called him to express serious interest in Petrino and he told Falcons General Manager Rich McKay that Petrino wanted to talk to Arkansas.

On Sunday, Campbell said, he told McKay that some of Petrino's issues with the Falcons were "irreparable."

"I told him," Campbell said, "you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta."

Petrino had other issues.

"One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program."

Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows."

One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording.

"Think about this," Campbell said. "How bad do the issues have to be to make a man walk away from $10 million and subject himself to the criticism he knew would follow?"

That number's the difference between Petrino's Atlanta contract and his five-year, $14.25-million Arkansas deal. It includes a $2.85 million buyout and a clause prohibiting him from leaving for another SEC West school.

Campbell said Petrino - after a root canal - went into Monday's meeting with Blank and McKay thinking they would let him talk to Arkansas.

"His absolute desire on Monday was to finish the season in Atlanta," Campbell said, "and, if offered, take the Arkansas job. He wanted to meet (with the Falcons) on Monday to strategize on how to make it happen."

Campbell said Blank and McKay told Petrino, "There's no way you can talk to Arkansas. If you do, we'll make it ugly and embarrassing."

So, Petrino felt he had no choice but to stay. Campbell called Arkansas AD Jeff Long and said, "It's over."

But after Monday night's loss to New Orleans, during an emotional late night at the Petrino house - "his wife was very, very upset," Campbell said - Petrino called his agent. The coach told him, if the Arkansas job was still available, he was willing to take the heat to take it.

On Tuesday, he did. Petrino's been under fire since.

"Criticize Bobby Petrino," Campbell said. "Fair game. But the Atlanta Falcons bear a lot of responsibility in this. The NFL isn't a virgin league. Arthur Blank fired Dan Reeves, a Hall of Fame coach, with three games left in the (2003) season. These people in these shiny glass houses need to think before they throw stones."
 
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
It is easy to say that when they never gave him a chance. Again, not defending how he left... just why.
This is where we disagree. I don't think "The players aren't being nice to me" is a valid reason to leave.
Apparently it was a valid reason for Michael Strahan to hold out and for Tiki Barber to retire. The Giants players have been pissing and moaning for years about their coach. Holding out, retiring and whining to the press. Again, double standard for players/owners vs coaches.
Those examples don't wash for a few reasons. #1, Strahan wanted to A) skip training camp, and B) get more money. #2, You don't expect coaches to be a bit more mature than their players? They aren't on the same level, and relly, if your coach is going to bail out of town every time he has a problem with one of his players, let's hope no one on Arkansas hurts his feelings.Bringing up Coughlin is a great idea. How about Parcells? Lombardi? All of them had problems with their players in the beginning.
They don't wash because they hurt your argument. Plain and simple. You can't sit here and tell me that players making millions are in a different category then their coaches. NFL players are men, so I expect the maturity level to be one in the same. With your logic, when a player holds out or retires every time their coach actually makes them accountable for something or he wants more money.. he is in the same greedy, selfish position that you say Petrino is in. Holding out = not honoring your contract Bottom line is those other coaches wanted to remain NFL coaches. Petrino knew it wasn't for him and his family. And if you read the interview that Clayton just posted, you see why he felt he had to leave the way he did.
 
elwayfan446 said:
massraider said:
elwayfan446 said:
massraider said:
elwayfan446 said:
massraider said:
elwayfan446 said:
massraider said:
What if someone puts forth the argument that both moves are scummy?

Also, this notion that Petrino was not respected? Umm, he got a 5 year, big money deal, and his boss even said due to the Vick deal, that 2007 couldn't be held against him.

One noisy player doesn't mean he wasn't respected. It MAY mean he can't handle adults, but doesn't mean he wasn't respected. And respect is earned.
More players than Hall came out during the season and said as much. Look it up. And for your respect is earned comment.... did the players have to earn his respect? It's a fair question.I am not saying he wasn't respected by the administration, just by the players. When they say so themselves, it is hard to argue.
Not to be too smarmy about it, but the players appeared to have been right.
It is easy to say that when they never gave him a chance. Again, not defending how he left... just why.
This is where we disagree. I don't think "The players aren't being nice to me" is a valid reason to leave.
Apparently it was a valid reason for Michael Strahan to hold out and for Tiki Barber to retire. The Giants players have been pissing and moaning for years about their coach. Holding out, retiring and whining to the press. Again, double standard for players/owners vs coaches.
Those examples don't wash for a few reasons. #1, Strahan wanted to A) skip training camp, and B) get more money. #2, You don't expect coaches to be a bit more mature than their players? They aren't on the same level, and relly, if your coach is going to bail out of town every time he has a problem with one of his players, let's hope no one on Arkansas hurts his feelings.Bringing up Coughlin is a great idea. How about Parcells? Lombardi? All of them had problems with their players in the beginning.
They don't wash because they hurt your argument. Plain and simple. You can't sit here and tell me that players making millions are in a different category then their coaches. NFL players are men, so I expect the maturity level to be one in the same. With your logic, when a player holds out or retires every time their coach actually makes them accountable for something or he wants more money.. he is in the same greedy, selfish position that you say Petrino is in. Holding out = not honoring your contract Bottom line is those other coaches wanted to remain NFL coaches. Petrino knew it wasn't for him and his family. And if you read the interview that Clayton just posted, you see why he felt he had to leave the way he did.
Ummm, how does bringing up other coaches (that were actually able to deal with unhappy players) hurt my argument?Other coaches had players that hated their style. Everyone has seen Jerry Kramer go on about how much he hated Lombardi when he first played under him. Bottom line, using unhappy players as an excuse to abandon a team, not to mention the coaches he brought along, in a joke. I don't think Petrino is using it, I think his apologists on this board are. Frankly, it's hilarious.

"Petrino knew it wasn't for him"? When did he know that? A month into the new job? The fact that he changed his mind that quick is pathetic, showing either a lack of commitment, or complete lack of preparation, by having no idea what the job entailed.

As far as the comparison to players that hold out, aside from the obvious disparity between careers for players and coaches, who is making that argument? You are pointing out some double standard that no one is defending.

You wanna say Blank acted dishonorably? Fine. I am sure he has.

Players that hold out are greedy and selfish? Probably.

Is it karma biting the Falcons? Fine, if you believe in that.

None of it changes what Petrino did, or make it even a little bit defensible. He wasted a year of the Falcons time, their fans, their players, and their coaches. Hope none of those assistants had good jobs before they uprooted their families last year.

 
Why do folks have an issue with pro coaches quitting when they aren’t satisfied, when an owner can fire them at will when they are no longer satisfied? I can see you having beef with a college coach that convinces kids to come there (that can’t immediately transfer) and then leaves, but not with a pro coach.

 
Why do folks have an issue with pro coaches quitting when they aren’t satisfied, when an owner can fire them at will when they are no longer satisfied? I can see you having beef with a college coach that convinces kids to come there (that can’t immediately transfer) and then leaves, but not with a pro coach.
This thread is on page 9, Bill Cowher quitting didn't rate a 9 page thread, and no one had a problem with it.It seems people have an issue with the way SOME coaches choose to leave. Like Petrino, for instance.
 
Why do folks have an issue with pro coaches quitting when they aren’t satisfied, when an owner can fire them at will when they are no longer satisfied? I can see you having beef with a college coach that convinces kids to come there (that can’t immediately transfer) and then leaves, but not with a pro coach.
This thread is on page 9, Bill Cowher quitting didn't rate a 9 page thread, and no one had a problem with it.It seems people have an issue with the way SOME coaches choose to leave. Like Petrino, for instance.
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
 
Clayton Gray said:
PatrickT said:
I'd be happy to listen to his side.
Here goes:
Russ Campbell has watched Bobby Petrino take shot after shot since leaving the Atlanta Falcons for Arkansas.

On Thursday, Campbell, who represents Petrino, fired back.

"Bobby Petrino was blindsided," Campbell told me in a 30-minute phone conversation. "I was blindsided. Arkansas was blindsided."

How so? Campbell said from the time they hired Petrino last January and signed him to a contract without a buyout, the Falcons assured the coach of something. They would not stand in his way should he decide to return to the college game.

Campbell said Falcons owner Arthur Blank reiterated that pledge to Petrino "two or three weeks ago."

Atlanta's attitude changed Monday, Campbell said, "and it wasn't a subtle change. They said, if you leave, we've got to fight you."

Last week, Campbell said, Arkansas called him to express serious interest in Petrino and he told Falcons General Manager Rich McKay that Petrino wanted to talk to Arkansas.

On Sunday, Campbell said, he told McKay that some of Petrino's issues with the Falcons were "irreparable."

"I told him," Campbell said, "you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta."

Petrino had other issues.

"One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program."

Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows."

One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording.

"Think about this," Campbell said. "How bad do the issues have to be to make a man walk away from $10 million and subject himself to the criticism he knew would follow?"

That number's the difference between Petrino's Atlanta contract and his five-year, $14.25-million Arkansas deal. It includes a $2.85 million buyout and a clause prohibiting him from leaving for another SEC West school.

Campbell said Petrino - after a root canal - went into Monday's meeting with Blank and McKay thinking they would let him talk to Arkansas.

"His absolute desire on Monday was to finish the season in Atlanta," Campbell said, "and, if offered, take the Arkansas job. He wanted to meet (with the Falcons) on Monday to strategize on how to make it happen."

Campbell said Blank and McKay told Petrino, "There's no way you can talk to Arkansas. If you do, we'll make it ugly and embarrassing."

So, Petrino felt he had no choice but to stay. Campbell called Arkansas AD Jeff Long and said, "It's over."

But after Monday night's loss to New Orleans, during an emotional late night at the Petrino house - "his wife was very, very upset," Campbell said - Petrino called his agent. The coach told him, if the Arkansas job was still available, he was willing to take the heat to take it.

On Tuesday, he did. Petrino's been under fire since.

"Criticize Bobby Petrino," Campbell said. "Fair game. But the Atlanta Falcons bear a lot of responsibility in this. The NFL isn't a virgin league. Arthur Blank fired Dan Reeves, a Hall of Fame coach, with three games left in the (2003) season. These people in these shiny glass houses need to think before they throw stones."
Ok, I read it. I stepped back for a few hours and read it again. I wanted to make sure I didn't have a knee jerk reaction to it. My thoughts:Number 1, the fact that Blank is meddling in the team too much does not surprise me at all. I'm sure it's true. He wants to be an active owner and have a say. I don't doubt that he wants too much say a lot of times, and that would create some friction. Let's go even further and state that McKay has a reputation of being a bit power-hungry, so I don't doubt that created some tension in the front office. He should back off.

It really hasn't been addressed, so I'll address it here. To think that Blank and McKay were innocent little angels who run over by a maniacal Petrino would be naive, and I do not believe that. I'm certain that the Falcons front office is not Utopia, no will it ever be. So, I'm certainly willing to admit that the Falcon front office, and players, contributed to an environment that wasn't ideal.

But the rest? CYA. This all comes directly from Campbell, Petrino's agent, and he's doing his best to transfer as much blame as possible to Blank and McKay. I mean, c'mon, you're going to tell me that there was burning tension in the front office, Blank up to his elbows in meddling with the team and your example is how Blank didn't like your pre-game prayer? Please.

I'm not buying it, because his story contradicts the facts, and appears contrived to be snug with others. Campbell's claiming Blank said, "There's no way you can talk to Arkansas. If you do, we'll make it ugly and embarrassing." Well, he's making it ugly and embarrasing isn't he? See, Campbell must be right.

Let's look at this little snippet, in their own words:

Petrino's new boss, Arkansas AD Jeff Long, defended his new coach in a story published in Friday's Dayton (Ohio) Daily News. "Here's what I want you to know," Long is quoted at saying. "I'm an ethical person. I want to do things the right way. Had I wanted to talk to him [Petrino] while he was head coach of the Falcons, I would have called and asked."

Those statements contradict the sequence of events that occurred on Tuesday, when Petrino swapped jobs.

Long told both the AJC and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday that he flew to Atlanta Tuesday afternoon and met with Petrino and Campbell downtown. The meeting, Long said, began at 2 p.m. Long and Petrino agreed on a basic outline of a deal and Petrino left.

Petrino returned to Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch and walked into the office of Rich McKay, the team's president and general manager, to resign sometime after 5 p.m. Blank said he received a call from Petrino after Petrino spoke to McKay.
So that's a simple lie, right there. Then he goes in to throw in a few other, what I would consider, very weak arguments. The Reeves firing, which was technically a resignation because he found out he was going to be fired (Blank had planned to do it after the season, BTW, but it got leaked), and has already been discussed here. The sufficiently vague "his family was miserable in Atlanta", and now, a new one, he was meeting them after having had a root canal. What the hell is that?This is air cover, designed to publicly deflect attention from Petrino's actions, transfer them to the Falcons and attempt to garner sympathy for him and all the heretofore silent suffering he and his family have been going through all year. Sorry, I call BS. Are Blank, McKay and the Falcons front office perfect and blameless? No. But I have a bit more faith in Blank's and McKay's and Dunn's integrity than I do in Petrino's, cause I've seen them step and take responsibility.

I wish the best for you and your team, but I think the man's a lying snake.

And with that, I'm done. I'd rather talk about his replacement and our future at QB in other threads.

 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
It was completely insane. If he wanted an SEC job, he didn't have to go to the NFL to get it. To think otherwise is insane.He simply thought he was ready to be an NFL coach. That is the ultimate goal for many college coaches. He tried to follow a dream, realized it wasn't for him, and left. Did he do it right... no.
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
I apologize. My reply was indeed lame.
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
It was completely insane. If he wanted an SEC job, he didn't have to go to the NFL to get it. To think otherwise is insane.He simply thought he was ready to be an NFL coach. That is the ultimate goal for many college coaches. He tried to follow a dream, realized it wasn't for him, and left. Did he do it right... no.
If his goal was to be an SEC coach, why go to the NFL?
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
I apologize. My reply was indeed lame.
Accepted.Its all good. I can see myself acting the very same way. Although my heart is in Charlottesville, where its very out of character for anyone to get enraged or even passionate about anything football related. I guess that's just life in the ACC, eh?
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
It was completely insane. If he wanted an SEC job, he didn't have to go to the NFL to get it. To think otherwise is insane.He simply thought he was ready to be an NFL coach. That is the ultimate goal for many college coaches. He tried to follow a dream, realized it wasn't for him, and left. Did he do it right... no.
If his goal was to be an SEC coach, why go to the NFL?
Sorry, I think you missed my point. I think his goal was to be an NFL coach, just like most coaches. However, once the situation unfolded I think he realized his heart was for the college game.
 
His brother quit a day or two later. Wonder what that day or two was like
Probably pretty brutal. Not only did he have to listen to them rip on his brother, but he probably wasn't spoken to for those two days.On a side note, Bobby hired him as his OC at Arkansas yesterday.
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
It was completely insane. If he wanted an SEC job, he didn't have to go to the NFL to get it. To think otherwise is insane.He simply thought he was ready to be an NFL coach. That is the ultimate goal for many college coaches. He tried to follow a dream, realized it wasn't for him, and left. Did he do it right... no.
If his goal was to be an SEC coach, why go to the NFL?
Sorry, I think you missed my point. I think his goal was to be an NFL coach, just like most coaches. However, once the situation unfolded I think he realized his heart was for the college game.
I would say it is more likely he feared he couldn't turn the Falcons around and his ego would take a hit at being a failure at the next level and so he wanted to bolt back to college. No one would call him a failure for this year but would he get an excuse for future years the Falcons don't do well? To my knowledge no college guy has gone pro, done well, and then bolted back to college because of heart. I don't think Saban and Petrino go back to college if they go out and have 10-6 followed by 11-5 to start their careers. If a guy had two outstanding years and then says he wants to go back to college because his heart is there then I could see the arguement but these guys leave because they are failures. Petrinio isn't following his 'heart' to college if he is coaching the 13-0 Patriots. For some reason I think his 'heart' would be in New England.
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
It was completely insane. If he wanted an SEC job, he didn't have to go to the NFL to get it. To think otherwise is insane.He simply thought he was ready to be an NFL coach. That is the ultimate goal for many college coaches. He tried to follow a dream, realized it wasn't for him, and left. Did he do it right... no.
If his goal was to be an SEC coach, why go to the NFL?
Sorry, I think you missed my point. I think his goal was to be an NFL coach, just like most coaches. However, once the situation unfolded I think he realized his heart was for the college game.
I would say it is more likely he feared he couldn't turn the Falcons around and his ego would take a hit at being a failure at the next level and so he wanted to bolt back to college. No one would call him a failure for this year but would he get an excuse for future years the Falcons don't do well? To my knowledge no college guy has gone pro, done well, and then bolted back to college because of heart. I don't think Saban and Petrino go back to college if they go out and have 10-6 followed by 11-5 to start their careers. If a guy had two outstanding years and then says he wants to go back to college because his heart is there then I could see the arguement but these guys leave because they are failures. Petrinio isn't following his 'heart' to college if he is coaching the 13-0 Patriots. For some reason I think his 'heart' would be in New England.
And that is what most people think. You may be right. However, I disagree with that after hearing both sides of the story. That doesn't make my opinion any more right than yours, it is just what I believe. Call me a homer.Honestly, I don't expect many people but Arkansas fans to look at both sides... but I understand that.
 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end

 
Master of Past and Present said:
I don't think Saban and Petrino go back to college if they go out and have 10-6 followed by 11-5 to start their careers.
I don't think it's this black and white. One thing you don't consider is the family aspect. If your family is miserable in the area, that could help push you to go (or vice versa...you could turn down a job to stay at a place your family is happy). It happens all the time.Nor will you hear that coach mention this as a reason for leaving. "My family hated Miami!" Not going to happen...although it was widely reported to be true.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, this has been mentioned as the main reason he decided to leave. His family came first. However, that doesn't boost the national medias ratings.

 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end
What if Petrino is a hard-core evangelical, and there are members of the team who aren't. What if there were Jewish or Muslim players of faith, and Blank said "Bobby I think we should be sensitive to all religions in the team prayer." I'm not saying he is or isn't. I'm not saying what went down. But meddling in a pre-game prayer seems to be an odd complaint. Especially is you're using that as THE example of meddling and why you quit the team.

 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end
What if Petrino is a hard-core evangelical, and there are members of the team who aren't. What if there were Jewish or Muslim players of faith, and Blank said "Bobby I think we should be sensitive to all religions in the team prayer." I'm not saying he is or isn't. I'm not saying what went down. But meddling in a pre-game prayer seems to be an odd complaint. Especially is you're using that as THE example of meddling and why you quit the team.
The prayer meddling was just an example of the overall meddling. The point was the fact that the owner said he wouldn't meddle period, but he always did.
 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end
What if Petrino is a hard-core evangelical, and there are members of the team who aren't. What if there were Jewish or Muslim players of faith, and Blank said "Bobby I think we should be sensitive to all religions in the team prayer." I'm not saying he is or isn't. I'm not saying what went down. But meddling in a pre-game prayer seems to be an odd complaint. Especially is you're using that as THE example of meddling and why you quit the team.
The prayer meddling was just an example of the overall meddling. The point was the fact that the owner said he wouldn't meddle period, but he always did.
I think Blank gave Petrino everything he asked for. The guy owns an NFL franchise. A franchise that has had a lot of turmoil. Blank HAS to be involved. Being involved was absolutely necessary. What football related issue of Petrino's did Blank meddle in? Petrino had a say in the draft and they drafted palyers for HIS system. Petrino was the one who fined D. Hall. Petrino was the one solely responsible for dumping Grady Jackson. Blank didn't meddle. This is purely the sign of a worm coming up with a lame excuse on why he quit on a team. No more no less. Had Blank not been involved Petrino would have just said "I quit because the owner was absent and I had to take on the responsibility of all this teams turmoil alone, and wasn't able to focus on football"
 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end
What if Petrino is a hard-core evangelical, and there are members of the team who aren't. What if there were Jewish or Muslim players of faith, and Blank said "Bobby I think we should be sensitive to all religions in the team prayer." I'm not saying he is or isn't. I'm not saying what went down. But meddling in a pre-game prayer seems to be an odd complaint. Especially is you're using that as THE example of meddling and why you quit the team.
The prayer meddling was just an example of the overall meddling. The point was the fact that the owner said he wouldn't meddle period, but he always did.
If that's the best example of meddling, objecting to wording of a prayer, then it sounds like Blank was pretty hands-off.
 
BusMan's take:....then I believe he was using the Falcons all along as a bargaining chip to cash back in to a better college coaching situation. With very few dissenters, I'm sure most would agree that Arkansas >>> Louisville. If this was Petrino's plan all along...wow.
Completely insane.
Clayton, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here since you're blind, enraged homerism is off the charts in the thread. But seriously, there is no reason to call my take "completely insane". From everything I've read, Petrino has thought of an SEC heading coaching job as his "dream job." Therefore, it isn't "completely insane" to think he might've been trying to use his time in the NFL to bargain up to an SEC position. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what happened. Your response to my post was weak, rash, and really stinks coming from FBG staff. I'm a pretty loyal guy around here, and you've really put me off. Maybe next time you can actually post something that discusses my points. Or maybe Joe has put you on timeout for a little while.
It was completely insane. If he wanted an SEC job, he didn't have to go to the NFL to get it. To think otherwise is insane.He simply thought he was ready to be an NFL coach. That is the ultimate goal for many college coaches. He tried to follow a dream, realized it wasn't for him, and left. Did he do it right... no.
If his goal was to be an SEC coach, why go to the NFL?
Sorry, I think you missed my point. I think his goal was to be an NFL coach, just like most coaches. However, once the situation unfolded I think he realized his heart was for the college game.
Oh, he's a flip-flopper. Gotcha.
 
From Peter King's Monday Morning QB

Goat of the Week

Former Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino. Idiot. Weasel. One day after having permission to speak to Arkansas denied him by the man who hired him for $4.8 million a year last winter, Petrino went ahead and talked to Arkansas anyway. Then he rode out of Atlanta for Fayetteville under the cover of darkness.

I understand why he did it -- he felt he was 100 miles away from winning (he was); he felt the Falcons' front office -- particularly GM Rich McKay -- wasn't good enough to rebuild the team in a hurry (he might be right); and he missed college football. So Petrino pulled the most irresponsible act I've seen in coaching in the 23 years I've covered the NFL -- taking a job where it'll be easier to win and he can treat the players like doormats; and there's not a darn thing they can do about it.

One last thing: If the other coaches in the SEC use Petrino's carpetbagging skullduggery against him, good for them. I hope it works. That wouldn't be negative recruiting. It would be truthful recruiting.
 
From Peter King's Monday Morning QB

Goat of the Week

Former Atlanta coach Bobby Petrino. Idiot. Weasel. One day after having permission to speak to Arkansas denied him by the man who hired him for $4.8 million a year last winter, Petrino went ahead and talked to Arkansas anyway. Then he rode out of Atlanta for Fayetteville under the cover of darkness.

I understand why he did it -- he felt he was 100 miles away from winning (he was); he felt the Falcons' front office -- particularly GM Rich McKay -- wasn't good enough to rebuild the team in a hurry (he might be right); and he missed college football. So Petrino pulled the most irresponsible act I've seen in coaching in the 23 years I've covered the NFL -- taking a job where it'll be easier to win and he can treat the players like doormats; and there's not a darn thing they can do about it.

One last thing: If the other coaches in the SEC use Petrino's carpetbagging skullduggery against him, good for them. I hope it works. That wouldn't be negative recruiting. It would be truthful recruiting.
:link:
 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end
Why are you accepting Petrino's agent at his word on this, rather than taking this as some form of belated damage control?
 
Petrino's Agent Says Falcons Owner Meddled in Football Ops --

Sat Dec 15, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports both the Falcons camp and former HC Bobby Petrino's camp have called a truce about the issues and fingerpointing surrounding Petrino's hasty departure to Arkansas. But before the truce, Petrino agent Russ Campbell told Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky that the coach had a major issue with Falcons owner Arthus Blank meddling in football operations. "One of the main issues," Campbell said, "was the owner's involvement in the football program." Blank assured Petrino a year ago that he would stay out of the way if that's what the coach wanted, Campbell said, but "he's in it up to his elbows." One meddlesome example: After a pregame team prayer, Blank pulled Petrino aside and strongly objected to the prayer's wording. Scarbinsky also quotes Campbell as saying he told Blank that some of Petrino's issues were "irreparable." Campbell is quoted as saying: "I told him you can't fix the fact that he's miserable in the NFL and his family's miserable in Atlanta." On Friday, Campbell told The Journal-Constitution he stands behind what he told Scarbinsky but has decided to make no further comment on the situation – for now. "We've decided that the best thing to do is to stand down," Campbell told the AJC. "Anything that is said now keeps us from turning the page. Bobby needs to move on and the Falcons need to move on. So we're going to leave it at that." The Falcons had a similar response Friday afternoon. "We have stated the facts and we stand by our word, end of story," Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts said on behalf of Blank.

I'm no advocate for Petrino bailing, but when an owner comes down and complains about a pregame prayer that raises some question marks on Blank's end
Why are you accepting Petrino's agent at his word on this, rather than taking this as some form of belated damage control?
Maybe something in that prayer needed to be pointed out. If that was Petino's biggest issue with Blank, Bobby is punk.I hate this guy even more now.

 
I saw yesterday were Deangelo Hall committed another stupid unsportsman like conduct penalty. Is this Petrino's fault as well? After all Hall said last week he never felt he could trust Petrino and even gave an "I told you so" as if to say his conduct which cost the Falcons the game against the Panthers was now justified because Petrino quit? Between dealing with players like Hall, Vick's suspension, dealing with players flashing "Free Mike Vick" signs and t-shirts during a game is it really a shock Petrino wanted to go back to college?

 
I saw yesterday were Deangelo Hall committed another stupid unsportsman like conduct penalty. Is this Petrino's fault as well? After all Hall said last week he never felt he could trust Petrino and even gave an "I told you so" as if to say his conduct which cost the Falcons the game against the Panthers was now justified because Petrino quit? Between dealing with players like Hall, Vick's suspension, dealing with players flashing "Free Mike Vick" signs and t-shirts during a game is it really a shock Petrino wanted to go back to college?
Good point. Joe Gibbs will go back to NASCAR any day now. :shrug:
 
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