“The state police report today provides an accurate description of my accident, which includes details that had not publically come to light prior to the report being issued. I regret that I have not publically acknowledged a passenger on the vehicle. I have been in constant pain, medicated and the circumstances involving the wreck have come out in bits and pieces. That said I certainly had a concern about Jessica Dorrell’s name being revealed. In my press conference, I referred to her simply as ‘a lady’. My concern was to protect my family and a previous inappropriate relationship from becoming public. In hindsight, I showed a serious mistake in judgment when I chose not to be more specific about those details. Today, I’ve acknowledged this previous inappropriate relationship with my family and those within the athletic department administration. I apologize to my wife, Becky, and our four children, Chancellor (David) Gearhart, Jeff Long, the Board of Trustees, University administration, my coaching staff, student-athletes and the entire state of Arkansas. I have been humbled by the outpouring of concern and get-well wishes. I apologize to the Razorback Nation for the attention my actions have brought to the University of Arkansas and our program. I will fully cooperate with the University throughout this process and my hope is to repair my relationships with my family, my Athletic Director, the Razorback Nation and remain the head coach of the Razorbacks.”
Petrino crashed his motorcycle Sunday afternoon in southern Madison County, east of Fayetteville, on Arkansas 16. He told investigators the sun had blinded him. Petrino cracked four ribs, suffered a neck injury, and received several scrapes and bruises. The university released a statement on Monday saying Petrino was the only person involved in the crash.
Dorrell apparently suffered no serious injuries. Dorrell was hired by Petrino last month as the new Student Athlete Development Coordinator for Football. She was an all-Southeastern Conference volleyball player for the Razorbacks.
Newly hired linebackers coach Taver Johnson will assume the day-to-day responsibilities of the Razorbacks football program. The Hogs were scheduled to practice on Friday. The annual Red-White spring game is scheduled for April 21.
