Members of ‘Team Save Coach Petrino’ Shift Allegiance
Members of the ‘Save Coach Petrino’ Facebook group had a rally Monday evening in support of Petrino after he was placed on indefinite paid administrative leave Thursday evening by Athletic Director Jeff Long. - Logan Webster Staff Photographer
The creator and fans on the “Team Save Coach Petrino” Facebook page shifted their loyalties away from Petrino following his termination Tuesday.
“I stand by Jeff Long,” said Amy Payne, administrator of the Facebook group and organizer of the Save Coach Petrino Rally.
“I’m upset at Bobby Petrino [because of] the facts that came out,” she said, adding that there were “a lot of tears” when she heard Jeff Long’s announcement.
Payne credited her support of Long to reports that Petrino and the UA “were trying to come to an agreement,” which Petrino wouldn’t accept.
However, during the press conference, Long said “there was no negotiation about ways he could remain as football coach.”
Other members of the Facebook group posted support of Jeff Long following the press conference, too.
Group member Patricia Lucas posted a link to another Facebook group titled “Thank You Jeff Long,” adding that it was “for those of you who support AD Long in this difficult decision and still love our Hogs!”
Other posters were concerned with the players and the future of Razorback football.
“I know players were thinking that he was staying,” Payne said, but declined to mention names of players.
