An Admirable Man--Jeff Long

In our school cafeteria there is a bulletin board that says "Character Counts."  Sometimes I wonder if I am making any headway talking to kids about their decisions and having good character.

Tonight Jeff Long did more for the youth of Arkansas to say to them that "Character Counts."  He terminated Bobby Petrino.  Before the press conference I read many tweets that were breaking the news of the firing before hand and really -to be honest-I couldn't believe Arkansas was going to let Bobby Petrino go.  He is a very big part of why Arkansas is successful.  But, as I listened to Jeff Long's speech and revelation of the series of events, Jeff Long was left with no choice but to fire Bobby Petrino.  He talked about the many opportunities he had given Coach Petrino to be forth coming with information, and for whatever reason, Coach Petrino choose to be less than honest with A D Long and the Razorback Nation.  In Long's speech he talked about integrity. His commitment to the student athletes echoed  as he choked back tears.    Many lives are affected by the termination.  Lives we can not begin to imagine.  From the team, to the recruits, to the coaches on staff, the administrative staff, the Petrinos, the Razorback fan base and most of all --the youth of Arkansas.  Tonight Jeff Long told the entire state that you can not be deceitful and be trusted with one of the highest paying positions paid for by the taxpayers.  He told the youth that your character does count and what you do daily is important.  Your character matters and the decisions you make daily reflect your character. Integrity is important.  There are many talents in life.  You can be an amazing athelete, an amazing dancer, an amazing singer... these are talents, but one power we all possess is the power to have integrity.   We can all have good character. Coach Petrino choose not to display the character that is worthy of being admired and immitated.  He choose not to have the character that is worthy to be called an Arkansas Razorback. 

  Coach Petrino's actions led to his firing--not Jeff Long.