Razorback Blogs

The fan base is clearly divided.

The December “Parent Meeting” is just one example of the lies and deceit this administration will perpetuate in order to manipulate public opinion.

Houston Nutt, in his attempts to regain favor continues to stir the debate even further by making statements that are conflicting statements and statements that any reasonable person knows are false.

On February 9, 2007 Wally Hall of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette levied several charges in his opinion column in response to Houston Nutt’s statements that the media hampered recruiting. That same morning, Nutt called in during a live broadcast on the Buzz radio station in Little Rock during the morning show while Hall was on air. During the 11 minute exchange Nutt refuted several points in Hall’s column. He also did an interview with the Morning News published February 18th and appeared on Drive Time Sports on February 21st.

The Hiring of Gus Malzahn:

In the Morning News Q&A article dated February 18, Nutt stated,

"Q: Let’s just start with the hiring of Gus and the recruiting of the Springdale group. Was it clear from Coach Broyles that you needed to hire an offensive coordinator?

A: Yes, it was clear after two tough seasons of 5-6 and 4-7 that (we) really thought the direction that needed to go in was to get an offensive coordinator. And so we sought out on that search, and actually hired Gus before that, before the offensive coordinator was in place. Hired him first and with the intention of either being quarterback or receiver coach and then getting a guy like we pursued David Cutcliffe, David Lee...

Q: Those were the three I heard-Cutcliffe, David Lee and Wittke. Did you offer any of those?
A: I offered David Cutcliffe and David Lee. "

David Cutcliffe has never acknowledged an offer from the University of Arkansas and no offer has ever been reported. Cutcliffe was named the offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee and was on staff as of November 23. 2005.

He also stated in a radio interview on February 21 with Drive Time Sports that Gus was originally hired as a position coach only, either as the quarterback or wide receiver coach. He said he and Gus attempted to “recruit” David Lee together to come back as the QB coach and the offensive coordinator.

Tuesday, December 6 Head Coach Malzahn presided over an assembly at Springdale High School for Mustain’s Gatorade POY award. Wednesday December 7, 2005, still employed as the AD and coach at Springdale, Malzahn flew to New York to join Mitch Mustain during a Parade Player of the Year photo shoot. On Thursday, December 8th Malzahn and his wife abruptly left a day earlier than scheduled to return to Fayetteville.

On Friday December 9th Gus Malzahn was introduced by Houston Nutt at a press conference as the new Offensive Coordinator. Had Arkansas hired him as an assistant coach prior to late December 8th with the intention of conducting a search for an offensive coordinator, the University would have been in violation of NCAA regulations prohibiting coaches from contact with recruits.

When exactly was Gus Malzahn hired and for what position? Nutt’s time line of the events do not make any sense. It appears as if he may be re-writing history.

In the Buzz interview, Nutt specifically addressed the statements by Hall that people on the staff had been "rude" to Malzahn’s while he was on staff. Nutt emphatically denied that anyone on the staff had ever been “rude” to Malzahn, “The other thing is this, there was no one that was rude to Gus Malzahn. No one. Never have been rude.”

In the MN article when asked if anyone had been rude to Malzahn, he stated “Around me, especially, around me…to say that somebody treated him rude or didn’t treat him fairly and all those things, you know, I never saw. I never saw that at all.”

When asked on DTS if anyone ever called him “high school” he danced around the question and never answered the specific question. He just reiterated that, althought there had been “discussions,” everyone “got along.” Again, he stated no one was rude to Malzahn around him.

Malzahn or someone within the program would have to confirm the rude treatment. To date, Malzahn has declined to comment on his time at Arkansas, however those close to him say he was often ostracized during his time on staff and there has been talk of dissension and contempt among the staff since the beginning.

Houston Nutt has maintained in all his interviews that Gus was allowed to run the offense. However, he repeatedly stated that it was a “collective effort” and that the offense was actually structured by the entire staff during the coach meetings throughout game weeks. There seems to be a contradiction in those two assertions.

He has stated that it was Malzahn’s decision not to run his signature offense. When asked in the press conference when he was hired as the OC in December 2005 Malzahn stated, “I am what I am. We will run the hurry up.”

The only time the offense ran a hurry up, no huddle offense was during the USC game. It resulted in a successful 80-yard touchdown drive in 1 ½ minutes.

The Hurry-Up spread offense has been Gus Malzahn’s signature offense. It was what he was hired to bring to the Arkansas Razorbacks as stated by Nutt during the press conference in December 2005. If you believe the statements made by Nutt during his radio and newspaper articles, it would appear that Malzahn abandoned “who” he is in favor of an offense by committee. (see In the Beginning)

Malzahn’s Departure:

During the week of the Capital One Bowl preparations, Nutt had praised Malzahn’s contributions to the season in his role as the offensive coordinator to the media, noting Malzahn had been named National Offensive Coordinator of the Year. He stated Malzahn would have a contract extension with a raise “on his desk” as soon as they returned from the bowl game.

Malzahn resigned his position at Arkansas on January 14, 2007, 12 days after returning from the bowl game to take a position as the co-offensive coordinator at the University of Tulsa. Tulsa is a lower Division 1 program in a smaller conference.

In an article written by Bob Holt dated Wednesday, January 17th Nutt maintained there were three possible candidates for the offensive coordinator job, Lee being one of the three. There would be a "search" for an OC.

Nutt did state that the search for a possible “co-offensive coordinator” started prior to Malzahn’s departure on the 14th. He did not however mention in his statements that there had been any discussion directly with Malzahn regarding the hire specifically of David Lee to share his responsibilities as offensive coordinator or take over his play-calling duties.

In conflict with the statements regarding a search for a coordinator in the Holt article was the report on the same day by Alex Abrams of the Morning News that David Lee had in fact already accepted the job as offensive coordinator.

In Holt’s article, Nutt stated that he did not believe hiring a co-offensive coordinator or turning Malzahn’s play calling duties over to someone else would “diminish” his role. In other words, he did not believe it to be a demotion.

Nutt stated on the Buzz, “David Lee, that hiring, was done exactly right after the Capital One. I went to Gus Malzahn’s office and said, “Gus, Alex Wood is interviewing right now at North Carolina, he’s got an interview with the Cincinnati Bengals, if that happens, I want to get the quarterbacks and receivers better, and got a chance to get an All-Pro type teacher with David Lee, I think he’ll come back. But in order to get him it’ll have to be a co-coordinator.” That was face-to-face Wally. Face to face. No one goes behind anybody’s back.”

Nutt maintained in the DTS interview that when he first approached Malzahn about hiring Lee “right after the bowl game” he made it clear Lee would have to have the OC title.

He stated in the MN article that he went to his office about a week later (after the bowl game) and told Malzahn that in order to get Lee “I think to get him, though, to go hard after David Lee…we’re going to have to co-coordinator.” Nutts said, “Then you saw a different look, and I can understand, you know, because everybody wants those titles, those titles.”

Malzahn was unaware of Nutt’s intent to hire another coach to share his responsibilities or take over his play-calling responsibilities until Saturday, January 13th when he received a call from national sports analyst Chris Mortenson. Mortenson had heard the reports that Lee was leaving his job with the Dallas Cowboys and had been hired by Arkansas.

After confirming that information with Nutt on Saturday the 13th, Malzahn accepted the University of Tulsa job on Sunday.

Promises To Players:

In the Buzz appearance Nutt also discussed a situation regarding Damian Williams in the USC game. Nutt admitted he had personally told Williams that he would start the USC game at flanker. However Cedric Washington went in on the first play at flanker and Damian came in after and finished the game.

In an attempt to rationalize why Williams did not start, Nutt said that Malzahn had changed the “formation” on Wednesday to a reverse to Felix Jones. He stated in the Morning News article that the formation was changed the day of the game.

Regardless of the change in the game plan three days earlier, Nutt still maintained in an article in the Northwest Arkansas Times the day of the USC game that Washington “was moving around a little bit better but Damian Williams will start.” He expected Washington to possibly play, but stated that, “Right now the first flanker is Damian.”

He also stated in the MN article that Damain was listed as the starting flanker, “He earned that. And I came on the air Wednesday and I said, “Starting lineup in this. Damian Williams, a true freshman, he is starting.” However, he blamed Malzahn for “changing the formation.

Injured Players:

Regarding whether Damian Williams played with a “sprained” shoulder vs. “separated” shoulder, Nutt stated in his radio interview that it was sprained and not separated and that he had been cleared by a doctor to play.

In the MN article he states “I would never ever put a player out there that wasn’t cleared by the doctor. Damian Williams, on the record, is medically clear. (Arkansas athletic trainer) Dean (Weber) tells me it’s a sprain.” As you might notice Weber does not have a “DR” in front of his name. Williams “medical clearance” was granted by a man whose “credentials” are no where listed on the staff profiles and remain a mystery. Remember the DEA investigation?

In the MN interview regarding Casey Dick’s back injury, “You know, again, no one is sicker than that than I think Dean Weber and Eric because they wanted him ready for two-a days.” The fact is, Dick suffered the injury in the spring drills and he was improperly diagnosed by the Arkansas training staff. He did not receive proper treatment until his family sought a second opinion in the summer. “Maybe we didn’t do everything right, but he did get well finally,” Nutt stated.


The Apology:


In an article written December 7, 2006, prior to the book’s release, Nutt was asked by Chris Bahn of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette about the book and if he had read it or intended to read it. Nutt said he was aware of the critical comments made by Mustain in the book but had no plans to read the book or discuss it with Mustain.

He further stated on December 9th that he and Mustain had not discussed the book or the comments in the book “but would soon.” In the December 9th ADG article, Nutt said he planned to talk with Mustain in the near future about the book. “We haven’t talked yet. I look forward to talking here pretty soon. Like I mentioned before, I don’t worry about that. I don’t worry about a book that said some of the things that were printed, some of the things that were said about me. I don’t worry about that at all. I know how things can be said and construed the wrong way. I don’t worry about it. I don’t worry about it at all.”

He did not mention the meeting in October when he and Mustain had met and had in fact discussed the book and the comments.

However in the DTS interview Nutt admitted that he had in fact talked with Mustain several weeks prior to the first public comments about the book, which was on December 6th in the Morning News.

And in an SI.com interview on February 22nd Nutt stated, "You could tell two weeks prior to the South Carolina game t hat something was really bothering him. What happened was, (news of) the book came out. There was a lot of pressure on him because he knew it was coming and a lot of stuff in there was derogatory to me. I went to him before the South Carolina game and said "Listen, Gus told me what's bothering you. I don't care what's in the book. I'm not worried about that, I'm worried about you being the best you can be. I said Forget about it, let's play."

And in his MN interview on the 18th he said, “Mitch apologized to me. I’m not gonna-I’m ready to go forward; I’m, we’re trying to win ball games. Now what I did in a team meeting within those several days, I made just a note to the team, “Hey, look, I already talked to Mitch. Mitch has already apologized to me. Let’s go forward. That’s behind us, let’s go.” So I made note of that. I don’t know what day it was, but the team will tell you I made note publicly to the team. But I’m not going to go out and tell everybody, “Hey, Mitch apologized to---“ I wanted to get by all that.”

During the week of December 10th, two separate local sports talk personalities were calling for an immediate apology by Mustain to his teammates and his coach. Ironically, both referred to the “Three Steps to Forgiveness” plan that Mustain would need to go through in order to return to “favor” with his team. Again, neither mentioned that Nutt and Mustain had in fact met and discussed the book a month prior.

And on December 8, the seniors called a “team meeting” specifically to address the disrespect Mustain had shown his coach. The “Code Red” meeting….


The E-mail:

In a letter to John White from Campbell dated January 5th, Campbell wrote:
"On Wednesday, December 6, 2006, a second email addressed to Wally Hall at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, was sent to Hall and forwarded to Sherry Darby (Arkansas Department of Finance), Don Dunn (Pres/Chief Operations Officer, First Western Inc./Bank), and Diana Nutt.On December 6, 2006, a copy of the email addressed to Wally Hall was received by and forwarded from the IP address and email account registered to Diana Nutt to a business in Springdale, Arkansas as an attachment with a notation."

Both emails were enclosed in that correspondence with White.

White stated in a letter to Campbell, “I immediately forwarded your correspondence to Coach Houston Nutt and AD Frank Broyles for their review and for appropriate action to be taken.” He stated that Nutt and Broyles said they were unaware of Prewett’s e-mail prior to White’s involvement in the matter, and that “Coach Nutt was offended by Ms. Prewett’s email to Mitch.”

However, Nutt later commented in the February 15 ADG article:"Asked this week whether it had taken a call from White for him to get involved, Nutt said no. “I don’t know if there’s policies [in place], but I do want to shield them,” Nutt said. “This one got a lot of attention. We tried to handle it ourselves, but this one was taken all the way to the chancellor, all the way to the board. Even without the chancellor getting a call I was going to do something, like I would normally do when I get a couple of these things that go to my players.

In the Morning News interview dated February 18th, Nutt was asked if anybody in the family ever forwarded any, he stated,"I think once, my wife, the only one I know about, she forwarded one letter that was sent to her or something or either an article in the paper or letter, I think my wife forwarded something.""When asked if was an e-mail critical of Mitch or Gus, he state, “I don’t think so, but I don’t know 100 percent for sure.”

In the February 15th ADG article, "Houston Nutt did say that Diana Nutt received and forwarded the Dec. 6 e-mail to the business in Springdale. "I did acknowledge, I just found out a couple weeks ago she did do that. Nutt said, "She admits it."

Yet in the MN article and the DTS interview that he had just read the email a “couple of weeks ago.”

However, in his letter to Teresa dated Friday, January 12 he wrote, “Last week (January 5th), I received a copy of a letter which you wrote and sent to Mitch Mustain. Your letter demonstrates a complete lack of perspective and is unacceptable, insulting and mean-spirited.”

Nutt has never explained why he received the information on January 5th as stated by White and his own admission in his letter to Prewett but did not address the issue with Mustain or present his letter of reprimand or Prewett’s letter of apology until he requested his release on January 16th.

The standard defense of Mrs. Nutt forwarding the first email is that she "really didn't think it was that bad" or that she was "just defending her husband." (see the email in full below) She received the first email addressed to Wally and forwarded it to someone with the comment that the part about Gus and the Springdale players is "quiet funny." When she received the second email addressed to Mustain, certainly any reasonable coach's wife should then become alarmed that such a vial, disgusting email would be sent to one of her husband's players. If, as Nutt contends, she did not notify him that one of their friends and a booster were sending emails of this nature to players, a reasonable person would have to wonder why she did not. (see Emailgate)


Code Red:

In Teresa Prewett’s email to Mustain dated December 7 and forwarded to family members of the Arkansas staff, she stated:" Too bad I'm not Coach Nutt today. If so, I'd be having Tim Cheney sew lace around your jock straps, but that would be after I let you hang out face to face in a private meeting with the offensive and defensive lineman - I think I'd even throw Butu in for the meeting. Did I mention that I want you to transfer?"

Keith Jackson and Sam Olajubutu called a “player only meeting” Friday, December 8th. The meeting actually took place December 8, one day after Teresa sent that e-mail.

Olajubutu stated: “Well, to put it all in a nutshell, I just addressed the team. There was some stuff said in the paper. Mitch Mustain said a lot of things about the head coach, Coach Nutt, and I was just telling him that wasn’t right. I didn’t feel like those things should have been said and stuff along those lines. He was a part of the team as far as a family. If you’re going to be a part of a family, we can’t have those types of things said about our head coach. If you have something that you want to discuss with Coach Nutt, you can pull him to the side and y’all can discuss your issues one-on-one."

When asked if he knew the comments were made when Mustain wasn’t a part of the team, he state, “No, it didn’t matter he wasn’t on the team.”

Asked if Mitch got a chance to respond or if he was allowed to apologize or defend himself, Olajubutu stated, “Not in the meeting. After the meeting, we kind of pulled him to the side and we had a discussion after the meeting.

“Nutt’s reaction to the news of the meeting was “Well, you didn’t hurt him. You didn’t do anything to him?”

Another interesting side note regarding a statement made in the email from Teresa to Hall:

"Maybe this young man needs to learn that if he's the starting QB, that he needs to bring it to practice each and every day, act like he gives a damn, and become a leader. "

Her comment seems to indicate that she knows Mustain was not working hard at each practice.

Practices were closed throught out the season.

In the DTS interview Nutt said that he thought there was something bothering MM during the practice at some point in the season and he wasn't performing like he had in the past.

If Prewett was not present during the season practices, where did she get her information regarding Mustain's practice performance?


Mustain Transfer:

In the MN Q&A Nutt was asked if he got “the sense that when Gus left, that Mitch was going to leave as well.”

He replied, “You felt that. You felt that. When we came in here the first day of class back, he wanted his release…He says, I would really like to transfer.” After Nutt tried to convince Mustain to stay, he stated he still wanted his release.

The interviewer then stated, “You said when Gus left, you had the impression that Mitch was going to leave. Why do you think Mitch wanted to leave?” Nut replied, “Let me change. I think deep down inside, I think there is a part of him that wanted to stay. But I think his mother was really very strong wanting him to leave. In fact, I know she-phone calls I’ve had with her, she wanted him-she wanted the release.”

He stated in both the MN interview and on DTS that Mustain’s mother immediately called and demanded the release.

Mustain asked for his release at approximately 2 p.m. He was not made aware that it had been granted until he showed up for a 4 p.m. team meeting. He attended the meeting because he had not been granted a release.

What Nutt failed to mention in any interviews is that he also received a call from Frank Broyles who had been called by Alan Sugg after being made aware of the denial by Jim Lindsey. It was after that call that he granted the release.

Mustain asked for his release on the first day of classes. If, at the time, he was considering transferring to another school, time was of essense and the release had to be granted before he could attend classes. He went to Nutt’s office with his youth pastor and repeatedly requested his release. Nutt denied that request because “felt Mustain really didn’t want to leave,” even after Mustain repeatedly asked for it.

In numerous public interviews, Nutt has maintained that if any player asked for a release he would grant it.

Recruiting And the Media:

First, Nutt stated, “No one, no one, blamed the media. No one.” However, during an interview with Chuck Barrett on Tuesday, February 6 Nutt did say that it was difficult to recruit when you go into a recruit’s home and they have laminated copies of negative news articles laying on the coffee table. He made several comments to the media for several days prior to and after signing day stating that the media had played a role in portraying the program in a negative light.

Another point Nutt discussed regarding the article was the loss of the top two recruits in the state on National Signing day to another conference school. “Talking about Kodi Burns? Yes sir. Talking about Lee Ziemba? Yes sir, I would love to have them. I’d love to sit there and say they’re coming to our program. But the fact is, they didn’t. And the other fact is, when you lose their recruiting coach in the middle of it, there is a good chance you’re not going to get them.”

However, in MN interview, he stated, “I recruited them real hard.”

However, he did not mention that Burns had committed to Auburn in December, a month before Malzahn’s departure, and he did not mention that the coach primarily responsible for recruiting the offensive lineman, Ziemba, was offensive line coach Mike Markenson.


Did They Or Didn’t They Call?

In the interview, Nutt was asked if Casey Dick’s parents every came to him.

He stated,“Steve Dick and his wife never came, never came to me in a conference meeting or anything.”

However, later in the interview, he was asked “Did Casey’s parents talk to you or talk just about “hey, can we redshirt Casey?”Nut stated:“Yes, They made a phone call about midyear saying. “What do you think?” I said, “It’s just too early. I just can’t do that. I’m just asking you to hang in there. I know it’s difficult.” They did it about the, probably before the South Carolina game, whoever we played there, probably that week there. Probably, I can’t remember. It was probably Southeast Missouri, in there where, “Don’t you think we probably out to redshirt and get our year back because we only played four games the first year.” And that’s a conversation that we probably all would have if that’s my son, who played only four games the first year, give up a redshirt and now here he is, it looks like he’s not going to play anymore.”

Casey Dick played in the Utah State and did not play in the next three games. He then played in the Southeast Missouri game, the Ole Miss game and Louisiana-Monroe game, before becoming the starter in the South Carolina game.

He would not have been eligible for a medical red-shirt at any time since he had been medically cleared to play and had played in the Utah game, unless he was re-injured. Nutt and the Dick’s would have known that.


Was Broyles "Forced Out?"

The official stand from the University is that Frank Broyles was NOT forced out. He is retiring on his own and the board did not influence that decision.

However, in an interview with the press, Nutt said he "was upset at how this has happened. You just didn't think it would be like this, where he was forced to do something. So yes I'm upset. I would not be telling the truth if I didn't say I was upset. I thought he would be here two, three, four more years."



We are still weeding through all the "statements" made by Houston Nutt.
There are many misrepresenatations in Nutt's statements. It might be easier to just list the truths.

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Email from Prewett to Hall; December 6, 2006**
From: Teresa Prewett [mailto: tppt@XXXXX.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 3:16 PMTo: sherri.darby@XXXXXXXar.us; ddunn@XXXXXXXXXX.com; hdnx6@XXX.comSubject: FW: Today's article to Wally Hall

From: Teresa Prewett [mailto: tppt@XXXX.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 3:14 PMTo: 'whall@XXXXXXXXXXX.com'Subject: Today's article
Wally:
I've decided to write to you today regarding your article, and even though you can't hear my voice, please know that I am screaming – loud!! It's amazing that you continue to stir the pot, but I guess you're going to tell me that it's just your job. Bull shit. The large amount of "dysfunction" appears to be in the media, the journalist, and some north west AR self-proclaimed "Big Boys."
Houston Nutt – You are correct – there are schools interested in him – schools have been interested in him for the last nine years. Other schools were interested in him during two 4-7 seasons. I specifically remember him warning us that it would be a tough two seasons after being under investigation and probation for THREE years, which cost us a ton of scholarships, and we have Frank to thank for that. Like any good business man, he took the time to listen to Nebraska and LSU, but he always thought home was better. Now, after a 10-3 season, SEC Western Division Championship, SEC Coach of the Year, Region Coach of the year, Doak Walker award candidate, Heisman Trophy candidate, he continues to be blasted, questioned, and disrespected by people like you. Did I mention that he did this in the toughest conference in the country? Did I mention that the Hogs had been to Atlanta twice since Florida had been once in 2006? Did I mention that the Hogs were picked fourth in their division pre-season? Did I mention that after USC won 50-14 in Fayetteville, Houston pulled a very young team off the turf and won 10 straight. Did I mention that the Hogs were 15 points, and 3 special teams mistakes away from being where Florida is? Did I mention all of this after having to change QB's twice? I also hope I mentioned that Houston has assisted in raising more money for the "Ever So Mighty Foundation" than anyone in Razorback history. Did you happen to notice that high school football was brought back to life after Houston stepped on campus due to his reaching out to form relationships with high school coach's. I hope you remember Danny Ford and the wonderful bond he had formed with everyone in this state, and please don't forget about Jack Crow and Joe Kines – those were some fun times weren't they?! Do I need to remind you that Houston's Hog's are graduating if they aren't leaving for the NFL early? Houston III is a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Hannah and Hailey are seniors at Fayetteville High School, and Haven is a sophomore at Fayetteville High School. These kids have spent all of their adolescence in Fayetteville being a Hog, being wonderful productive kids, and they too have suffered because of the way their father has been treated over the years in their home state. Do you know how that disgusts me? You say that it "comes with the job," but once again, bull shit. Having your family subjected to different forms of abuse is not part of any job – no matter how much money someone makes. You say it is like this "everywhere," but when it happens at HOME, everything changes, and those bridges come tumbling down. By the way, you stated that Houston "really didn't look happy" about being the so-called "chief executive" – what, are you sitting up in the press box watching his facial expressions, do you have him bugged on the sideline, or what. I'm just trying to figure out how YOU KNOW what he's feeling and/or thinking. That really is a unique talent you have in knowing what people think and feel. Also, I might add, while you may call him chief executive, his title as of today is: Coach Houston Nutt – Head Football Coach of the University of Arkansas. The head coach that has the second longest tenure in the SEC. Respect the coach, respect the man, respect the family.
Gus Malzahn – I am very interested in this man checking out other schools – I am actually begging that he does leave. Do I call him Gus or God? I'm sure you'll give me the correct answer. I'm sure he does deserve some credit for the success of the season, but he and his Springdale Pansies are more of a cancer. Everyone talks, including you, of freshmen needing time to adjust to the speed of the game in the SEC (did you happen to notice the speed of the linebackers, cornerbacks, and defensive ends for Florida), but I haven't heard much about a coach needing to be able to adjust from high school to college ball in the SEC! Are you kidding me? You want to bring the hurry up no huddle to the Hogs when you have McFadden and Jones?! This isn't Springdale vs. Fayetteville, Rogers, Central, Northside, Southside, etc… This IS Hogs vs. Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, LSU, Auburn, etc… Most of those schools have more depth than we do at most positions, so ball control is important game in and game out. You want to run the hurry up no huddle offense when you have a freshman QB that had difficulty reading defenses game in and game out? Yes, I'm sure he did help with the offense, but all that has occurred since they all arrived on campus is a great deal of crying to mommies and daddies. – grow up damn it. This is the SEC. Frank may give him a big raise, but if Frank is such a great judge of talent for assistants, somebody should be reminding him of an assistant named Coach Danny Nutt. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what this man has done since he walked on campus, and I'm not even talking about the part where he fought thru a close call with death and severe permanent disability. Danny is the one that has recruited one outstanding back after another, and will now be sitting on stage for the Doak Walker Award and the Heisman Trophy Award, and in an interview with McFadden yesterday, McFadden was quoted as saying "None of this would have been possible without Coach Danny Nutt." Someone needs to be giving this Nutt a raise, but I guess because he is the head coach's brother, that his work and success doesn't count for anything. While we're talking about assistants that need a raise and recognition – lets talk about Coach Markuson and Coach Rocker. Lets talk about the offensive line blowing holes open for two 1000 yd. rushers (first time in Arkansas history), and lets talk about the progress the defensive line made – those men from the Rock were the rock. The only recruits that Gus could get on campus are his Springdale pansies. Wake up people. Gus may one day be great, but what happened this year was not because of his greatness. He is in the process of learning – just like his freshmen.
Mitch Mustain – does this young man still suck on a pacifier? Just wondering. I have his transfer papers ready. He can go throw interceptions for UCA for all I care. I take that back, I went to school at UCA, so lets send him to Arkansas Tech. I think we should have all had our eyes open when he played on national T.V. in the all-star game last year and stunk it up because he was finally playing against the Big Boys from other states from around the country. Maybe this young man needs to learn that if he's the starting QB, that he needs to bring it to practice each and every day, act like he gives a damn, and become a leader. When he plays an awful game (Alabama), he needs to admit he made mistakes, and leave the excuses in his jock strap. Mitch didn't really want to be a Hog in the first place, and he and his mom can go elsewhere. Is he afraid of competition? If he thinks he can't beat out Casey Dick with hard work in the spring and summer, then please go. I despise athletes that are afraid of competition – they are an embarrassment to their sport. He has the potential to be big time, but he has to get his head right, and his mother really needs to invest in duct tape. Shut The Hell Up You Pompass Cow. This is the SEC. Leave your high school letter jacket at home. Once again, grow up. Hey Mitch, leave if you want, but if you stay, get your shit together and compete. Try to get better and stop pouting. There is no "I" in team, and Houston demands team work!!!!!!!

Other Springdale Players – just please catch the damn ball – it's awful when your drop ratio is greater than your catch ratio. Did you happen to watch the Florida receivers? If so, and if you have one working brain cell, you would know that those two men, Cleveland and Williams, would not have stepped on the field their freshman year at Florida. They had a difficult enough time getting off the line of scrimmage against the SEC big boys consistently, and Cleveland has to get bigger if he's going to be a true tight end in the SEC, and he has to be able to learn his blocking schemes. Once again, freshmen, learning curve, and need a year to get bigger, stronger, and hopefully faster. Wouldn't hurt to do a little work on catching the ball consistently in the big games. Doing it every once in a blue moon won't cut it. They need to be excited that they played as much as they did. If they want to be in the hurry up no huddle offense they need to do their best to assist in recruiting big time receivers to Arkansas. Thank God for Marcus Monk, his work ethic, his team first attitude, and his character. The Springdale pansies should take heed.
Darren McFadden – you almost got this one right Wally. This young man is unbelievable. Aren't we glad Danny Nutt recruited him? Aren't we glad he really wanted to be a Hog? Aren't we glad he didn't pout his freshmen year after he didn't get a ton of carries early on? Aren't we glad he's a team player? Maybe you should be the one to meet him face to face to tell him we should be running the no huddle hurry up offense so the Springdale pansies will be happy. While you're at it, why don't you tell those offensive linemen (3 first team all SEC) the same thing, and tell them how they should have had to change their entire blocking schemes to pacify the Springdale pansies? I wanna be there for that face to face meeting. I wouldn't wear glasses if I were you. I'm excited that we get him back, and hopefully, another year under Danny and Houston. This guy loves being a Hog.

Felix Jones – you got this one right, but you may want to tell him about the hurry up no huddle offense. Once again, don't wear the glasses. He is a stud. I'm so happy that Danny Nutt recruited him so hard. He told me this kid was gonna be special. Danny seems to have a pretty good eye for talent. Maybe someday he'll be a great assistant. Damn.
Peyton Hillis – lordy lordy. How in the world could he not be playing tailback for the Hogs?! Are you kidding me? See above with McFadden and Jones. Peyton is not a tailback. This guy had so much potential, and was doing a great job the last several games before he got "hurt" so badly. Maybe he has a sinus polyp – very debilitating condition – ask Shawn Andrews. His feelings got really hurt, and this guy became the prime example of what selfish is all about. I wish him well in the NFL, but his mommy and daddy won't be able to help him much when he doesn't get his way in the big leagues. Did I mention that Houston demands Team First?
Reggie Herring – you got this one right. Don't cross this man, and I'm sure that he would love to sit down and talk football 101 with you! Don't wear your glasses, and try to find a body shield.

In conclusion, I must once again express my disdain for your attempt in stirring the pot after such a successful season. Yes, I am completely loyal to the Nutt family, no question. I have lost the majority of my immediate family, and they have all been there for me during some horrible times. They are my extended family. You told me after I blew up from your article bashing Houston for showing his appreciation to the students following the Alabama game, that I "couldn't see the forest for the trees" regarding Houston. I never truly knew what the hell that meant, but after what has been accomplished this season, it would be safe to say that I see the trees and the forest quiet well. My vision regarding Houston Nutt and his football program has never been better. However, that being said, I can also be objective. My father was a football coach, he and my uncle played college ball, my uncle played in the NFL, and sports has always been a huge part of my life. A basketball scholarship paid for my school, and at my house growing up, if the T.V. was on, it was on sports. I guess I know just enough to be dangerous. I do know a good thing when I see it, and Houston Nutt has done more for the University of Arkansas as head football coach than any other coach – even Frank. I have been a season ticket holder since 1985, I donate to the foundation, I am also a season ticket holder in basketball and baseball, so my love for the Hogs is great. I am saddened and ashamed of the way Houston and his family have been treated by people they have known all of their lives. I sat thru the Citadel, I remember sitting and watching Joe Ferguson play and you could sit anywhere in the stands that you wanted to because attendance was so low, I sat thru Danny Ford, Jack Crow, and Joe Kines. I watched this state run off Ken Hatfield after winning 80% of his games in the SWC, and I have sat in those stands for years before Houston came when the band was the best part of the game. As of Jan. 1, 2007, I will have been to 7 bowls in 9 years – WOW! Houston deserves better than this. If leaving means he'll be treated better, then I'm going to help him pack, and then I will promptly remove a large amount of money from the foundation, and after talking to many people recently, I won't be alone. Have a freakin' good day

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Email from Prewett to Mustain; December 7, 2006***

Hello Mr. Interception King:

Are you having a good morning? I’m sure you are since your precious name is in the paper again. Why in the hell did you come to Arkansas? I’ve been a Hog fan since birth, and a season ticket holder since 1985, and my parents were before that. Who in the hell do you think you are? Do you really think because you just walked onto campus that you need to be the starting QB? Competition scares the shit out of you doesn’t it little boy? This is the SEC for goodness sakes, and by watching you attempting to read defenses in the SEC, it is beyond evident that you were nowhere ready. Your completion to interception ratio was a joke, and you have zero leadership abilities. This isn’t Springdale High School anymore, and you need to take your letter jacket off and realize that. This is the real world. Yes, you did win 8 games as a starter, but you were only starting at that point because Casey Dick was hurt. In winning those 8 games, you need to go back to the film room and see that the main reason those games were won was because of McFadden, Jones, the offensive line, and the play of the defense. You did hand the ball off pretty well. You also need to buy Marcus Monk some lunch for saving you another interception against Auburn since the ball was so underthrown. Every once in a blue moon you would throw a touchdown pass, but usually after 3 interceptions. I’m sure you have the talent to become an outstanding QB on the collegiate level, but I hope that it’s not at Arkansas. You can win the Heisman for all I care, but please not as a Hog. Please transfer. All you’ve been since you walked onto campus is a cancer, and your mother is no exception.

You called Coach Nutt a “dork” in your article. Amazing. You know, I was sitting with a large group of people watching your interview that was aired on Game Day before the Tennessee game, you know, the interview where you had on those glasses that made you look like a fag? I’m sure you remember. Anyhow, everyone in that room started laughing, calling you the dork. Why is it that you came to Arkansas again? Was it so your mommie could be close by to change your diaper, or was it because you thought having your lover Gus on the sideline would make playing in the SEC easier? What a joke! Gus can’t even adjust to the speed of the game in the SEC. Do you think Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame would be putting up with your bull shit? God, do I ever wish you would have gone to Notre Dame. Too bad I’m not Coach Nutt today. If so, I’d be having Tim Cheney sew lace around your jock straps, but that would be after I let you hang out face to face in a private meeting with the offensive and defensive lineman – I think I’d even throw Butu in for the meeting. Did I mention that I want you to transfer? Helen Keller could read defenses in the SEC better than you.

Well, I’ve wasted enough time on you today. I’m sure it’s time for your breast feeding. Did I mention that I want you to transfer. The next time you think you and your girls are bigger than any one program – you better think again. I would love for you to be able to have a lengthy conversation with Chris Simms, former QB with the Texas Longhorns. He arrived on campus his freshman year in a limo thinking he was the next All Everything, was a smart ass to his coaches, was selfish, pouty, and the prime example of what a “team” player is not. His teammates couldn’t stand him, the fans grew to hate him, and he never won a championship. He was finally benched for a QB that had won the Big 12 player of the year award the year before. You see, he walked onto campus thinking the starting position should be handed to him without competition, and it was. He didn’t bring it to practice everyday, he was quoted in newspapers showing his lack of character, he blamed everyone else when HE had a bad game….Sound familiar? He never EARNED the respect of his teammates, coaches, fans, etc…He too was a spoiled brat. He was nicknamed by everyone “The Golden Child” because that’s what HE thought he was. Funny how the smaller, more competitive QB named Major Applewhite, with less credentials, came to lead them to a Big 12 Championship. Funny how that works isn’t it?

Grow up little boy. Oh, by the way, did I mention that I want you to transfer?

Teresa

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The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees is the entity ultimately responsible for who is anointed the athletic director and the head coach. It has become apparent that the trustees, by their public statements and their lack of action, have determined that “time and distance” is on their side. In other words, they will let this drama play out in hopes that at the end of the 2007 season Nutt will take another job and Broyles will quietly retire with his honor intact.

There are several flaws in this rationale. If Houston Nutt could not garner offers from the other top programs in need of a coach this year after a 10-4 season, the SEC West title, the SEC Coach of the Year Award, and a Heisman trophy finalist, he may not necessarily be a hot commodity next year either. A national championship title may create interest from programs, but that achievement seems highly unlikely.

There is no question Nutt will enter the 2007 on the hot seat for his fourth straight season, and a few losses could result in his firing.

However, there is the very real potential for long-term backlash to the program if this were to occur.

First, the program has allowed Nutt to remain on staff after back-to-back losing seasons (2004-2005), which is unprecedented in today’s environment. As part of the agreement to grant him another season to redeem himself, he was basically forced to give up the play-calling duties to a coach straight out of the high school ranks.

The hiring of Malzahn certainly created an environment ripe for resentment and contention among the staff considering Nutt’s past refusal to hire an offensive coordinator and the removal of the co-offensive duties from a long-term assistant coach.

Second, many will wonder why the “drama” of the 2006 season was allowed to fester to the point were the program lost the Offensive Coordinator of the Year, the 2006 consensus top pro-style quarterback in the nation, and a highly ranked and recruited receiver.

And further defections after this semester would certainly resurrect the entire debate.

The 2006 recruiting class has been severely gutted by the defection of Mustain and Williams and there is a very real possibility that more will leave after the spring. After a 10 win season, the best Arkansas could do in 2007 was 30th in the nation (as reported by one service). Imagine where the 2008 season will rank if the coaching staff knows it will be their last season. Three straight seasons of less than stellar recruit classes, the loss of McFadden, Jones, Monk, Hillis and a senior linemen will leave the program bare and make it very difficult to pull in a coach of any caliber!

Many will question why we retained a coach who would, it appears, publicly lie about issues related to the team and his players. Many will question why we allowed an athletic director to retain his position when he sat idly by while the national press crucified his program, his players and their parents as a result of his original misrepresentation of the facts.

Why were both these individuals allowed to retain their positions when the “drama” and the dissension in the program can be directly attributed to their actions and mismanagement of the events?

The Board of Trustees must carefully consider and weigh the consequences of any action they take. But their continued refusal to take any action is irresponsible when one considers the magnitude and repercussions of the events as they have unfolded. And ultimately their failure to take action will be to the programs detriment.

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The Promises Made to the Springdale Players Were Just "Recruit Talk"
That may be true, but it does not explain the same promises that were stated to the public through the media when Nutt hired Malzahn as the offensive coordinator, or during the spring, summer and into the season.
The Springdale Freshman Complained About Playing Time and Thought They Ought To Have "60 Catches A Year."
No freshman player ever complained about playing time. This rumor spun off of Rick Cleveland’s statement to Bob Holt in an newspaper interview. He referred to the type of offense the players were recruited to play in at Arkansas vs. a one dimensional running offense. The exact quote was “Our boys (referring to the receivers) are used to catching 60 passes.” That is a factual statement considering the type of offense Malzahn ran at Springdale. This statement was immediately followed with a comment about “opportunity” to catch the ball, and “Whether they’re good enough to do that or not is a whole different question. They have to earn that.”
Mustain's Mom Contacted Top Recruits and Trashed the Program:
Lee Ziemba's family denies they have ever met, spoken with or corresponded with Campbell.
Kodi Burn's parents called Campbell the night before he committed to Auburn. They reported she was very positive and did not say anything bad about the University of Arkansas.
No other Arkansas recruit reports they have spoken with or corresponded with Campbell.
The Springdale Players Were Trouble Makers:
By all reports the Springdale players got along with their teammates. They are good students and there have been no reports of trouble on or off the field. No coach has ever publicly reported a bad or disrespectful attitude from any of the players. All of their public comments have been positive and respectful.
All The "Other Coaches" and Gus Malzahn Got Along Fabulously:
Hardly. Several coaches were openly critical.
Malzahn Called All The Plays:
Malzahn may have called in the plays during the game, but he often did not have control over what plays were called.
The Parents Complained About Playing Time:
There is not one report of the parents ever complaining about playing time. Even Broyles stated such when he spoke about the meeting.
The Emails Were Sent From Danny Nutt's Computer:
To date, there is no evidence that the emails originated from a computer in the Broyles Complex.
Houston Nutt Did Not Know About The Emails:
This could be true. However, it would mean that at least 3 members of his immediate family and at least one coach's wife did not read an email they were sent and/or did not inform Nutt of the emails.
Campbell Went to John White Personally to Complain About the Emails:
All the correspondence regarding the emails were in writing. White never spoke with Campbell on the phone or in person.
David Lee Was Not Approached Until After Malzahn Left:
David Lee was contacted several weeks prior to Malzahn's departure. He was told he would be the Co-Offensive Coordinator, however Malzahn was not told of the impending hired by Nutt. According to a Dallas publication he was actually contacted in the early spring of 2006.
The Only People Spreading These Rumors Are People Who Hide Behind Their Made Up Message Board Names And Have No Accountability:
Pretty much true. Although there are individuals in the media who have stated these rumors as facts. However, every one of them derive an income from or depend on "inside information" from the University in one form or another and therefore may not be objective. None have provided any credible sources or people with first hand knowledge to support their claims.

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The Drug Investigation:

“They encountered staff who lied, deceived and generally believed that if they were part of the program, no ill should or could come to them.”
“Getting away with things had become an art form in the Razorback athletic department.”
“Lies and deception.”
“It was an abuse of power. (They) felt above the law.”
“It was a culture that permeated the athletic department for years.”
“It became a story of arrogance and deception.”

Recent message board chatter? No, quotes from an article written exactly 12 years ago by Mike Rodman* of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette during his coverage of the 2 year DEA investigation and subsequent criminal convictions of athletic trainers Dean Weber (the current Head Trainer at the U of A) and Dave England for their failure to maintain proper records related to the dispensing of narcotics to players in the mid-90s. The UofA athletic department was fined a $100,000 civil penalty for violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act.

A minor “glitch” in the drug laws prevented the trainers from being charged with illegally purchasing narcotics, dispensing the drugs without a prescription and improperly bottling and labeling drugs, nearly 10,000 doses of Darvocet in one 15 month period alone.

In order for the university to actually maintain prescription drugs on-site, they would have been registered with the DEA. Because they were not registered with the DEA and therefore should not have had possession of the drugs initially, the federal investigators were precluded from actually charging Weber with the illegal purchase, possession and distribution of the narcotics and other prescription drugs. The legal loophole only allowed them to charge Weber with not keeping proper records.

According to the DEA investigation, the drugs were purchased by Weber from a local pharmacy using the team doctor’s prescription number and were kept in an unlocked cabinet in the trainer’s room at the UofA. The drugs were then dispensed without a doctor present and without prescriptions by Weber and his training staff to players and to university staff members including, according to the DEA investigation, athletic director Frank Broyles.

However, strict NCAA guidelines for the distribution of all controlled substances were in place as early as 1992 and the University of Arkansas was clearly aware of these guidelines according to the federal investigators. While the Arkansas women’s athletic department immediately removed all prescription drugs from its training room, the men’s department willfully ignored the NCAA guidelines.

While AD Frank Broyles and Weber both initially denied knowing about the guidelines, the investigation proved they knew about the guidelines. Broyles took no steps to change the illegal medication dispensing procedures and knowingly ignored the NCAA guidelines. An assistant trainer and U of A instructor testified that Weber openly opposed changes to the distribution of the narcotics and made no changes in the handling and dispensing of medication. The trainers continued to dispense the narcotics without prescription and without supervision from a physician.

However, on October 13, 1993, Shannon Wright, an Arkansas football player, placed a gun in his nose and pulled the trigger. Wright had been given Darvocet for a football injury by the trainer’s staff according to sworn statements by his mother, Wright’s girlfriend and a member of the UA training room staff.

Darvocet is a narcotic painkiller and the manufacturer clearly warns against the drug being given to people who are addiction-prone, suffers from depression or who are suicidal and the drug should never be mixed with alcohol. Wright had been arrested several times for DWI, had sought treatment for alcohol abuse, suffered from depression and had once made a feeble attempt at suicide. All under the care and supervision of the UA football program.

A lawsuit by Wright’s mother was filed against the UofA, Dean Weber, AD Frank Broyles and others. The suit was initially dismissed, however it was reaffirmed by the Arkansas Supreme Court and remanded back to circuit court for trial. The suit was dropped a mere five years after Wright’s death because “it became increasingly complicated with the fact that witnesses have moved all over the country” according to plaintiff’s attorney.
And then she very quietly disappeared.

The tragedy could possibly have been avoided had the athletic department understood the importance of following the guidelines set forth by the NCAA and the common medical practice of allowing physicians to disperse and monitor the use of narcotics. Unfortunately, the Arkansas AD may very well have had extensive first hand knowledge of the dangers of dispensing addictive narcotics to players without proper supervision.

Billy Burns, a player under Broyles from 1971 to 1974, became addicted to narcotics dispensed by the programs in order to keep him on the field. Broyles closely followed Burns through his troubled adulthood after college, a life consumed with addiction, prison, and unemployment. “He was very helpful,” reported Debbie Burns, Billy’s wife. However, she was quick to add, “His last two years, Billy played on pain pills. Coach knew that and coach allowed that.” Coach Broyles denied Debbie’s claim that Billy’s tragic life was the result of the addiction that began as an Arkansas player, and on three different occasions blamed the addiction on three different injuries Billy suffered after his playing days at Arkansas.

On November 9, 1992, Billy Burns died in prison of a heart attack. It was his fourth stint in prison. He was survived by his wife, Debbie, and his 4 year old and 6 year old children. He was 39. According to Ms. Burns claims during the Wright lawsuit, Broyles offered her a legal settlement not to take legal action against him.

And then she very quietly disappeared.


* ADG reporter Mike Rodman, December 4, 1994
DEA Investigation report
Wallace v. J. Frank Broyles, Dean Weber, and others, Supreme Court of Arkansas 1/15/1998 http://courts.state.ar.us/opinions/1998a/980115-97-1703txt

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In December 1999, the daughter-in-law and two former business partners of Ted Harrod, Sr., owner of J&H Trucking in Dallas, Texas claimed that during the mid and late1990s Harrod offered summer employment to Arkansas athletes at his Dallas, Texas company. During the course of the divorce of Ted Harrod, Jr and his wife Karey, and a pending lawsuit involving shareholders in J&H, allegations were levied that Harrod had “employed” athletes, paid them excessive wages, and paid them for hours they did not work. The opposing parties also alleged that these activities were done with the express knowledge of Frank Broyles.

Harrod, a North Little Rock native, was a major contributor to the Arkansas athletic programs, specifically a “Broyles-Matthews” donor. He had an exit named in his honor at Bud Walton arena and had recently pledged $300,000 towards the renovation and maintenance of the Frank Broyles Complex.

Not only was he a big-time booster, he was a close personal friend of Frank Broyles and his wife. Harrod and his wife traveled with the Broyles’ around the world with the teams during athletic events, the families often vacationed together, and they stayed in Broyles home during Fayetteville games. Broyles served as Harrod’s best man when he married his second wife in 1989. Because of his close personal relationship with Broyles, he was given free access to the sidelines during athletic events, he and his son, Harrod, Jr. donned in “coaches apparel," and was also given unlimited access to the locker rooms during sporting events. Reportedly, Harrod, Sr. occasionally flew on the team charter to sporting events.

The allegations came to light one week prior to the 2000 Cotton Bowl, and since a current player was allegedly involved a preliminary “investigation” was conducted prior to the Cotton Bowl by Jesse Branch, the Arkansas compliance director. In essence, the department talked to the current player involved and the player denied the allegations. No players were suspended for the Cotton Bowl, although it was later discovered that five current players may have received improper compensation, including Marvin Caston, the current Arkansas football compliance officer.

In January, after the game, the UofA notified the SEC of their concerns that an infraction may have occurred related to the allegations and the school and the conference began a joint investigation.

The department required all athletes employed during off-season to report their employment activities to the athletic department and the compliance department was responsible for monitoring athlete employment to insure they were in fact working for fair market value and the employers were maintaining proper records. However, the athletic department denied they were aware that Harrod employed 20 athletes in his Dallas firm during the late 1990s.

During the initial six-month investigation, Arkansas concluded that 20-25 athletes worked for Harrod from 1994-1999 and may have received more than “fair market wages.” Due to the company’s poor record keeping, it was impossible to determine the extent of the over-payments, but the final report forwarded to the SEC and the NCAA in July 2000 stated there had been a “series” of violations. Arkansas self-reported the violations as a secondary violation to the NCAA and self-imposed penalties.

The report stated that Arkansas had in place a system to monitor the employment of student-athletes on a routine basis that followed the recommendations by the SEC. Businesses who employ athletes are required to sign and return a certification regarding athlete employment and athletes are required to self-report their employment.

Broyles stated further in the report to the NCAA that through the course of their close relationship he had often stressed to Harrod the importance of following the NCAA regulations with regard to employment of the athletes and Harrod assured Broyles that the rules were being followed.

However, Harrod’s company had sent no employment certification form to Arkansas since 1996. Further, Broyles and the department maintained that they were unaware of the fact that 20+ athletes had personally contacted Harrod in Dallas, Texas and obtained employment. Reportedly, not one student-athlete notified the compliance department of their employment, in spite of repeated instructions to do so.

Broyles stated in the original report that while the violations were “personally embarrassing” due to his close relationship with Harrod, the company’s poor business practices and shoddy record keeping caused the violations. He accepted responsibility for a serious failure in judgment only with regard to his “association” with Harrod.

The report also stated that none of the current coaches had knowledge of the player’s employment off-season and none had close contact with Harrod. Houston Nutt denied ever being involved in the matter. However, the staff should certainly have been aware of the nature of Harrod’s relationship with Broyles and the program considering Harrod and his son were fixtures in their “coach’s apparel” both on the sidelines during games and in the locker rooms on a regular basis during this time. Also, Nutt and Harrod had become acquainted during Nutt’s tenor as an assistant at Arkansas, and during the hiring process in 1997 Nutt had called Harrod and talked with him about the process.

The report concluded that the violations were secondary in nature, and not major, the two standards the NCAA would use to classify any violations or infractions committed by a school.

Arkansas maintained their determination that the violations were “isolated” and therefore secondary in nature. However, it is interesting that within the same report, Arkansas admitted that there were a “series” of violations which occurred over an extended period of time, it involved as many as 20 athletes, allegedly not one athlete reported their employment, Harrod had not filed an employee form since 1996 even though Broyles said he repeatedly spoke with Harrod regarding the importance of following the NCAA rules regarding employment of athletes and Broyles and Harrod were close, personal friends.

While Arkansas’ initial penalty proposal was not listed in the final report, faculty representative Howard Brill did forward a letter to Chancellor John White on June 29, 2000 stating that SEC Commissioner Roy Kramer strongly urged Arkansas to accept more responsibility and impose stiffer penalties and not place all the blame on Harrod’s poor business practices. He urged officials to stiffen the self-imposed penalties in order to prevent the Committee on Infractions from opening the matter. He feared the NCAA might elect to investigate both the employment and the department’s supervision of student-athlete jobs with an individual who was both a booster and a close personal friend of Broyles.

As a result of that plea, Arkansas self-imposed penalties which included minor scholarship reductions for 2001 (2 scholarships and 3 recruiting class signees) and 2002 (1 scholarship and 2 signees) and the one game suspension of the only player accused who still remained on the team in 2000. Further, Ted Harrod, Sr. was banned from Arkansas athletics for 5 years and his pledge of $300,000 was forfeited, although it was later discovered that the department had already accepted $75,000 of that pledge.

On December 7 2001, seventeen months after the University and the SEC submitted their joint findings, the NCAA sent a “preliminary letter of inquiry” to Arkansas. The letter put the institution on notice that the NCAA would be conducting an additional investigation. A preliminary investigation is initiated to determine if an official inquiry is warranted and whether a secondary or major violation has occurred.

The letter stated, “At this time, the possible violations primarily involve the provision of extra benefits to numerous student athletes by athletic representatives, and the recruiting practices of members of the football coaching staff. Please note that new information often is developed during an investigation that leads to expanded inquires.” In reference to the University appeal to “fairness” regarding the extended period of time which had elapsed, the NCAA responded that “you should be aware that the delay occurred mainly due to the fact that it took some time to locate and interview some principals, and it took some encouragement for others to submit to an interview with the enforcement staff.”

After the University of Arkansas’ documents related to their initial investigation were obtained through the state’s Freedom of Information Act in 2002, it revealed allegations that had not been previously made public. Accusations of loans to a player’s parent for legal fees, free gasoline and long distance calls by players from J&H Truck Services, meals bought for basketball players, payments to players who never actually worked and the fact that Frank Broyles specifically knew about Harrod’s improper payments to players. While these accusations could never be substantiated by documentation, neither could the reports of players being overpaid. However, the University acknowledged and admitted the latter in their self-report. To stipulate that Broyles or the staff had knowledge of the improprieties would have resulted in crimpling penalties.

In response to the NCAA preliminary letter of inquiry, the University hired a $155-an-hour consultant, The Compliance Group, to assist them during the NCAA investigation.

In May 2002, University officials and the NCAA enforcement staff met after the preliminary investigation by the NCAA. The University hoped to accelerate the process through a “summary disposition process” that would reduce the cost and time involved in infraction cases and avoid an official letter of inquiry. According to the NCAA guide, the NCAA and the University would jointly prepare a summary disposition report which would outline the violations which occurred and detail the proposed penalties. The NCAA Infractions Committee would then review the disposition and either accept the findings and recommendations and close the case, or reject the findings and recommendations, at which time the NCAA would issue an official letter of inquiry and the committee would hold a hearing.

By agreeing to a summary disposition, the University of Arkansas must acknowledge that a major violation occurred and they would have to justify the extent of their self-imposed sanctions. The rational for Arkansas agreeing to classify the violations as major was the fact that the UofA failed to detect that a major booster overpaid players over an extended period of time.

Ultimately in the joint report filed in July 2002, the NCAA enforcement staff and Arkansas determined through their investigation that the infractions were more egregious than originally self-reported by the UofA two years prior. The enforcement staff found, and Arkansas concurred, that the violation of overcompensation of 20 players in the amount of $4300 by J&H Truck Service should in fact be classified as a major violation rather than a secondary violation. Both agreed that the university failed to properly monitor student-athlete employment and further it was reported that Athletic Trainer Dean had received a salary supplement of $21,000 from Harrod and other individuals to off-set the financial burden created by the DEA investigation of Weber’s dispersal of prescription narcotic drugs to athletes in 1995.

In the joint report, the enforcement staff stated they could find no solid proof that Broyles had direct knowledge of the over-payments although he and the department should have monitored the situation closely considering Broyles relationship with Harrod. Nor could they find proof to substantiate claims that money was given to athletes who did not work for Harrod. The university did acknowledge that, regardless of the information they provided J&H regarding NCAA rules pertaining to student-athlete employment, “for a variety of reasons it should have done a better job of monitoring the company in order to detect any overcompensation to student-athletes.” The University staff maintained they were unaware that Harrod employed athletes in 1998 and 1999.

As a result of the joint investigation and in the joint report, Arkansas explained in detail the reasoning for each self-imposed penalty. The program expanded the scholarship reductions and committed to increase its job-monitoring program. They agreed to increase the requirements for educating athletes and boosters regarding employment and they agreed to hire an outside firm to develop a monitoring system for boosters who employ athletes.

The University would further ban all boosters and other nonessential people from the sidelines during games and the locker rooms.

They extended their ban on Harrod’s involvement with Arkansas athletics to seven years.

No action was taken regarding the improper payment to Weber although it was classified as a violation.

Although typical of the Infractions Committee, Arkansas officials did not impose a probationary period for the program, although they did consider it. They concluded that the extensive length of time the program was investigated constituted a probationary period.

They did not limit off-campus recruiting or penalize the current coaching staff, citing the fact that the current coaching staff was unaware of the violations that occurred in 1998 and 1999. However, one could conclude that considering Harrod was a very prominent and present booster during those years and it was the staff's responsibility to know about and monitor the players employment, the staff could have some responsibility in the matter.

They did not impose a postseason ban because players who may have benefited from the overcompensation were no longer members of the team nor did the violations reflect a “lack of institutional control.”

Upon receipt, the NCAA Infractions Committee reviewed the summary disposition report and in September issued a list of follow-up questions to the University. The committee questioned their efforts to obtain Harrod’s business records in order to determine the extent of the overpayments, they questioned their initial investigation prior to the 1999 Cotton Bowl and they questioned the extent of Broyles knowledge related to the matters, as well as additional questions.

One of their questions related specifically to the players involved who participated in the 1999 Cotton Bowl. Marvin Caston was one of 5 players specifically mentioned who may have been ineligible for the bowl game if school officials had knowledge of the overpayments at the time. Caston is currently the Compliance Director for the University of Arkansas football program.

Arkansas responded to the 21 different inquiries in a 92-page response.

In November 2002, the NCAA sent the University of Arkansas an official letter of inquiry. This letter placed the University on notice that the Infractions Committee basically had additional concerns regarding the investigation. The University sent an additional 155-page response to the allegations outlined in the letter of inquiry, basically reiterating the original statements made in the summary disposition report and the response to the committees inquiries in September. On January 18, 2003 University of Arkansas officials and the NCAA Committee on Infractions met to discuss the case.

In the final disposition of the case, the Infractions Committee stated and levied these additional penalties:
1. The university shall be publicly reprimanded and censured.
2. The university shall be placed on three years of probation beginning April 17, 2003, and concluding April 16, 2006.
3. In addition to its self-imposed reduction of total grants-in-aid in football through the 2004-05 academic year, the university shall also reduce total football grants-in-aid by two for the 2005-06 academic year, thus limiting the institution to no more than 83 total grants-in-aid in football for five years (2001-02 to 2005-06). (Note: The institution annually awarded 85 grants-in-aid during the previous four years prior to the imposition of the reduction in total scholarships starting with the 2001-02 academic year.)
4. The number of expense paid visits to the institution's campus in the sport of football shall be limited to 50 for the 2003-04 academic year. Further, the university shall not "bank" any of the unused visits from the 2003-04 academic year and add them to the total visits available in the 2004-05 academic year. (Note 1: NCAA Bylaw 13.7.1.6 specifies that Division I-A football programs are permitted up to 56 official paid visits per year. Note 2: The institution averaged 54.6 visits during the four-year period starting with the 1998-99 academic year and concluding with the 2001-02 academic year.)
5. During this period of probation, the institution shall:
a. Continue to develop and implement a comprehensive educational program on NCAA legislation, including seminars and testing, to instruct the coaches, the faculty athletics representative, all athletics department personnel and all university staff members with responsibility for the certification of student-athletes for admission, retention, financial aid or competition;
b. Submit a preliminary report to the director of the committees on infractions by May 30, 2003, setting forth a schedule for establishing this compliance and educational program; and
c. File with the committee's director annual compliance reports indicating the progress made with this program by January 15 of each year during the probationary period. Particular emphasis should be placed on adherence to NCAA legislation with regard to the employment of student-athletes, the monitoring of such employment, and compliance with NCAA legislation relating to outside income for institutional staff members. The reports must also include documentation of the university's compliance with the penalties (adopted and) imposed by the committee.
6. At the conclusion of the probationary period, the institution's chancellor shall provide a letter to the committee affirming that the university's current athletics policies and practices conform to all requirements of NCAA regulations.
As required by NCAA legislation for any institution involved in a major infractions case, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is subject to the provisions of NCAA Bylaw concerning repeat violators, for a five-year period beginning on the effective date of the penalties in this case.
The NCAA Infraction Committee’s report in entirety is published at
http://www.ncaa.org
on the NCAA web-site.

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