Bobby Petrino finds a school willing to sell its soul
Here's a screengrab from Western Kentucky's website: WKUsports.com. I think they forgot a few things.
(UPDATED: 6:15 p.m.)
According to Western Kentucky’s mission statement — which I suddenly found reason to Google — the university “prepares students to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen leaders of a global society.”
So we’re left to wonder: Will Western Kentucky ask Bobby Petrino be teach a course in social responsibility, or will he be too busy being productively engaged with an athletic department underling?
Petrino is back in coaching. That was inevitable. On one hand, the man has so much personal and professional baggage that he needs a storage unit. But because he can coach college football, it figured to be a short time before one school’s administration declared, “To hell with morals and scruples! This is college football!”
Western Kentucky stepped up to the soul-selling window. This came after even three schools in the SEC — the conference that invented soul-selling — passed on him. Western Kentucky went where Auburn, Tennessee and Kentucky wouldn’t.
For some reason, WKU officials chose not use this photo.
Somewhere in Bowling Green, WKU president Gary A. Ransdell and athletic director Todd Stewart are refining and rehearsing their, “Everybody deserves a second chance” soundbites in a mirror.
It is one thing for a professional sports team to compromise their principles for the sake of victories, ticket sales and increased revenue streams. But is there any semblance of a value system left in college athletics? Shouldn’t there be some weight given to the concept of molding and leading young man on a college campus, or did that go out with the last Knute Rockne speech?
Think of how Petrino’s last two coaching jobs with the Falcons and Arkansas ended. In grease fires. How can Western Kentucky or any university justify hiring somebody who has proven at every level to be so morally bankrupt?
Stewart must have been struggling for material, because he actually said at Monday’s news conference: “What it comes down to is he made a big mistake. But this is the the United States of America, and we’re a country of second chances.” (Uh, second?)
I’m thinking of “Otter” from the scene in Animal House when the Delta House fraternity has to appear before Faber College administrators: “We’re not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America!”
Petrino, of course, hasn’t made one mistake. He has made several lifetimes’ worth. He is deeply flawed and, frankly, a bad person.
Forget cheating on his wife. That’s between him, his wife and his God. The fact he hired his mistress (a former Arkansas volleyball player) at Arkansas, gave her $20,000 and put her on the university payroll exposed a public university to potential sexual harassment lawsuits.
He was considered so “hot” (in a bad way) that no major program would hire him. So he took a job in the Sun Belt. Welcome to humility.
In committing his egregious violation of employment law (and common sense), he also lied to his superiors about circumstances surrounding the motorcycle accident that led to his firing, admitting to his “inappropriate relationship” with Jessica Dorrell only after she was referenced in the police report (two days later).
He quit on the Falcons in the middle of the season, as cowardly an act as a coach can commit. He didn’t tell players. He left a note in their locker. The day after telling owner Arthur Blank he was committed to the team — prompting Blank to give two national TV interviews on the topic and look foolish — Petrino was in Fayetteville at a midnight news conference doing Pig Sooey chants.
While at Louisville, Petrino secretly met with Auburn representatives in late 2003, even with the season still going and Auburn having a coach (Tommy Tuberville — who, by the way, gave Petrino a job in 2002. There’s your loyalty.). He also interviewed with LSU in 2004 just five days after signing a contract extension, and bolted for the Falcons five months after signing a new 10-year deal
Petrino said he has spent the last eight months trying to repair the damage he’s done to his marriage and family. He also said, “One thing I’ve learned from this is I can be even more of an influence on a young man’s life than just on the football field.”
And that’s the problem.
By Jeff Schultz
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355 comments Add your comment
Utah Dawg
December 10th, 2012
7:20 pm
Joey…Petrino lied to his employer and violated a variety of ethics rules and university policy. Employers don’t usually fire you for cheating on your wife and lying about it..his sins far surpass those of Tiger but they are both morally flawed.
Gator Mike
December 10th, 2012
7:20 pm
Perhaps Petrino will be teaching a Sex Ed Class at WKU. Also, it will be interesting when WKU plays UK and UT.
DebDoes
December 10th, 2012
7:20 pm
Mommas lock up your football playing sons!
Petrino the Little Man
December 10th, 2012
7:23 pm
Petrino is a little man and has little character. Western Ky is just the job for this Dufus!
Jeff
December 10th, 2012
7:25 pm
I just became a rabid EASTERN Kentucky U. fan lol
Red Stick
December 10th, 2012
7:28 pm
DawginLex, I have to agree with you that Petrino is a better hire than who those other schools ended up getting. His personal life aside, he is an excellent coach. It was just a matter of time before someone hired him.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
BravesWin
December 10th, 2012
7:38 pm
The WKU logo is called, “The Mighty Hand-held Towel”.
Audrey
December 10th, 2012
7:40 pm
My school has lost it’s collective mind!!!!!
Gee I hope he doesn’t leave half way through the season or, maybe, I dunno, get into a traffic accident on Russelville Rd with “the other woman”. REALLY Western????
THIS is what it came down to???? You couldn’t have gotten a mop to do the job.
I betcha a mop would have done a better job then THIS guy!
UGHHHH!
Jay
December 10th, 2012
7:45 pm
He could still be Falcons coach today if he’d honored the contract he signed with Arthur. Eew, the thought makes my skin crawl.
Thank you for leaving, Bobby, and for making us so very right about you. Hope you get everything you so richly deserve.
Traci404
December 10th, 2012
7:58 pm
When a slime balls gets a Leadership job, this is a DAMN SHAME. Cheats on his wife, his employer, if we dig deep enough…we may have to relook at his wins. MORALS have gone to hell..just to have a low down man like this lead your football program.
Lib in Cobb
December 10th, 2012
8:00 pm
Is the young poontang in KY better than the young poontang in AR? I hope that Bobbi has learned.
rastusbrown3
December 10th, 2012
8:01 pm
It’s bad to have so much hate in your heart. Everyone should be forgiven of their sin.
I hope you are as perfect as you think you are.
Duke LaCross
December 10th, 2012
8:01 pm
I really think he has learned his lesson. I think he will assuage himself and show back up again in the BCS school ranks in 2-3 years.
UGA/Falcon Fan
December 10th, 2012
8:02 pm
I’m a Falcon and UGA fan…..can u imagine Petrino coaching the talent at UGA, we would have no less than 2 National titles….Mark Richt is an average coach at best
DawgFan
December 10th, 2012
8:03 pm
If you are saying he deserves a 2nd chance because he was having an affair I agree. Hower, the hiring of his mistress as a state employee over better candidates blurs the matter. Really makes him a risk for any school.
On top of that I will always pull against his team unless they schedule Tech
Flog DaLog
December 10th, 2012
8:04 pm
Lib – young poontang is outstanding all over America. It is not a regional thing.
SiddyBoy
December 10th, 2012
8:05 pm
Good thing Petrino can coach football better than he drives a motorcycle !!!
mayhem is coming
December 10th, 2012
8:06 pm
Here’s the upside to this hire. None of the teams that I care about interviewed him or hired him.
CBP is a class act he will do well at WK (sarcasm).
SiddyBoy
December 10th, 2012
8:13 pm
Hey Really? “It(sic) just football.” Yeah and it was just a couple of trees at Auburn too but it’s ok-it’s just football.
Bama/Dawg
December 10th, 2012
8:14 pm
I don’t particularly like Petrino, but it seems to me that he is no different from Bill Clinton, and the democrats still love him. As far as having an impact on young men’s lives….I think most of those young men could teach Bobby a few things. They are not in college just to learn. Football players get away with criminal acts. Petrino is just guilty of an immoral act. Didn’t you go to college Mr. Shultz? Do you think Petrino should be punished for life? What about your past? No, I don’t like what Petrino did. No, I/m not judging. No, I don’t like some of the things you write but you are good at what you do…that’s why you have a job.
BOOBy Petrino
December 10th, 2012
8:15 pm
Man, I am back in football with a big salary. WKU also gave me a new Harley and 3, count them..3, young blonde assistants to take for rides on my bike. Is this a great country or what?????
drsoul
December 10th, 2012
8:15 pm
I have never seen so many hypocrites in one blog….!!!
Petrino has to live his own life and answer to his own soul…otherwise, nobody’s business…
personally, I would never have wanted to work for Arthur Blank in the first place; the rest of the team and organization would not be a problem…just to be clear..
You ‘DAWGS’ better be damn glad he did not go to Auburn or your Dawg treats would come to a sudden end every time you played them from then on…
King Arthur Blank
December 10th, 2012
8:20 pm
Bobby looked me in the eye and told me he was “My Man”. Then the next day he bolts for Arkansas leaving taped notes to the player’s lockers. Bobby could have at least french kissed me and bought me dinner if he was going to **** me like that.
GSU1991
December 10th, 2012
8:26 pm
The only bright spot in this article was: yes, “this is the United States of America and we give people a second chance”, and in many instances a third or even more. But, those second chances are dependent on severity of first offense, degree of remorse shown, and exhibits of changed actions for the better. In the case of Coach Petrino, I simply would not trust him. I don’t wish him any ill will and I’m betting he still has money after his squandering ways, so he isn’t huring over where his next meal comes from or having a roof over his head, but,,,, well, I will simply stay on my side of the street and he can stay on his side. Our paths do not need to cross for any reason that I can imagine.
yellowfever
December 10th, 2012
8:27 pm
I guess this is where we get the old saying, WIN AT ALL COST. Pretty sad really. It shows what our society has become.
A.B. Normal
December 10th, 2012
8:32 pm
You can’t polish a turd.
ShowMeYurTD's
December 10th, 2012
8:46 pm
Glad he did not end up at U of Kentucky and the SEC….Darn good coach, can’t ride a motorcycle worth a darn though…. Good Luck WKU!
Nicole Simpson
December 10th, 2012
8:47 pm
Hey…if they let O.J. out, someone would probably marry him too!
G-dub
December 10th, 2012
8:52 pm
He can coach circles around Ritch. If I’m looking for a son in law I would not touch him but if I need a coach he’s the man. Dawg fans should be happy because he could have went to UK.
BravesFan77
December 10th, 2012
9:03 pm
Good for them. Go get em’ Bobby!!! If UGA had a vacancy they’d be beating down his door.
fan
December 10th, 2012
9:09 pm
Ole Bobby will come roaring into Bowling Green on that big Harley with his “hoochie mam” on the back and biig smile on his face…kinda brings a tear to your eye.
The Real Truth
December 10th, 2012
9:15 pm
Mamas, would you send your son to play for this man?
macrotech
December 10th, 2012
9:18 pm
Makes sense…he was going to have to start at a nowhere school (no offense to fans of this school intended) and prove he can do “good” in ALL areas….give him a year or two and he’ll be back in the sec coaching somewhere.
Coach Harley
December 10th, 2012
9:19 pm
What does it say when the SEC doesn’t think you have enough integrity? That’s like being kicked out of Congress on an ethics violation.
S.N. Atch
December 10th, 2012
9:31 pm
Bama/Dawg,
Seriously, how can you compare Clinton to Petrino? Clinton never rode a motorcycle.
BigDaddy
December 10th, 2012
9:34 pm
Another example of the hypocrisy that exudes from our colleges and universities. The residents of the Ivory Towers like to pontificate about how we should all conduct our lives but when their actions are examined they are nothing more than self indulgent, greedy, narcissist who can’t make it in the real world.
S.N. Atch
December 10th, 2012
9:34 pm
I guess Clinton and Petrino did both ride hogs, though. Petrino’s was two wheeled and Clinton’s was two legged.
Steaky
December 10th, 2012
9:37 pm
Enough about Coach P, chacha! Where can I find a good cannoli ?
cloudodust
December 10th, 2012
9:40 pm
The best thing, IMO, about seeing Petrino going to Western Kentucky is watching him ditch them for another gig. Here’s to hoping he’s black-balled everywhere but I think the Big Ten will be his next stop as the midnight express leaves the station in some future late night escape.
hind tit
December 10th, 2012
9:52 pm
Petrino said he hoped it could be as long as possible.What might he be talking about?
hind tit
December 10th, 2012
9:55 pm
Naw the two legged was a dog.
aw
December 10th, 2012
9:56 pm
One year at Western Kentucky, before he is hired somewhere else.
If you all are ignorant enough to think had a motorcycle accident try again. He got his ass kicked by Josh Morgan.
Joe 12-Pack
December 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
I wish grave misfortune upon Petrino and WKU.
haha
December 10th, 2012
10:04 pm
damn jeff, could you please proof your drivel.
Will Western Kentucky ask Bobby Petrino be teach a course in social responsibility – to
Shouldn’t there be some weight given to the concept of molding and leading young man on a college campus, or did that go out with the last Knute Rockne speech? men
Uh he is a darn good football coach and that is why he was hired. ballsy move by men with guts.
Mike Lum
December 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
Jeff,
Perhaps this would have been a more accurate line from Animal House (with Petrino’s image inserted over Kent Dorfman):
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=FMENQeCbxfI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DFMENQeCbxfI
CMAC
December 10th, 2012
10:06 pm
Mike Vick makes Petrino look like a saint — yet I did not see AJC’s article titled “Eagles Sell Their Soul and Sign Vick”
haha
December 10th, 2012
10:13 pm
jeff you are jealous because hot young blondes do not throw themselves at you. why do you begrudge another man for getting his rocks off? we are a nation of laws not morals.
that young gal made bobby feel like a man again. she made him feel young and live on the edge.
I am not going to be the next coach at Alabama; I am the coach of the Miami Dolphins
December 10th, 2012
10:16 pm
Since when did it become ok to lie to one’s superior and the ticket-buying public? I do things the right way. I could never imagine…oh I’ll get back to you.
haha
December 10th, 2012
10:18 pm
cmac clearly you have a pea brain and rode the real super short bus. apologies to all who rode the short bus.
pro sports vs. higher education.
Men: Grow up!
December 10th, 2012
10:23 pm
I still don’t understand why it’s ok for NFL teams (and other corporations) to fire their employees/coaches mid-season, but coaches can’t quit mid-season when the sack of rocks (over-the-hill athletes) that Mike Vick left just plain sucked. An offensive mastermind left a team that was able to recruit him only because he would have the opportunity to coach Mike Vick.
I would hate to see what the coaches/athletes/sports media would be left if we fired every man that cheated on his wife. Unfortunately, he got caught. Every man that wants him punished for cheating is a man who has or is cheating.
Schultz-find something else to write about. This is getting WAYYY old. It’s not like Petrino left a team that has had multiple Super Bowl championships. Hell, the Falcons have gone to the Super Bowl ONE TIME!