Arkansas A.D. Disappointed With How CBS Portrayed Petrino

December 5, 2011 /
ArkansasNews.com

http://arkansasnews.com/2011/12/05/blog-long-disappointed-with-cbs-for-petrino-replay/

Remember when CBS cameras caught Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino saying something, um, colorful while he pointed across the field late in the 41-17 loss to LSU on Nov. 25?

It feels like a month ago now. But there’s a reason to revisit the story this morning – we finally had a chance to talk to Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long about it.

Long, speaking to the media during a press conference to discuss Arkansas’ Cotton Bowl berth, said he was “disappointed” with CBS for the way it handled the matter. Not Petrino.

“Professionally, I’m disappointed at the way that CBS portrayed coach Petrino on the sideline,” Long said. “I think it’s one thing if it’s recorded live and they catch a coach using language, that’s one thing. But I’m disappointed they chose to record it and show it later … and further that they showed it in slow motion so words could be made sure they could pick it up.”

Long indicated he has contacted the Southeastern Conference to express his concerns.

He has not heard back from the conference office.

“Certainly none of us like the use of profaine language,” Long said regarding Petrino’s comments, which were replayed in slow motion. “Certainly, it happens in the heat of the battle and it’s unfortunate. But i think in this case, I’m disappointed it was displayed in the way it was by CBS.”

Petrino has been criticized for the incident (as well as the postgame handshake), which was portrayed as a not-too-subtle message to LSU coach Les Miles as the Tigers continued to press for points late in the game.

Was it something else? We don’t know. Petrino has not offered his side of the story publicly, yet.

Miles was asked after the game if he had words with Petrino and responded: “Not many.”

When asked if he has spoken to Petrino about the LSU sideline scene, Long said they’ve had a conversation.

“I can tell you no coach wants to be seen on national television using profane language,” Long said. “But does it happen? Absolutely. And, like you say, the heat of the moment to get a point across. It’s not something that people should be shocked by, but, again, we don’t like the use of the language like that, certainly, where it can be shown and, being honest with you, taken out of context.”

We’ll try to get further explanation from Petrino when he is available to the media – hopefully – this week.

— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau


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