Blog: Jessica Dorrell's Role in Petrino's Future

Based on what Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement Thursday night, the coach appeared to be in a "previous inappropriate relationship" with Jessica Dorrell, a 25-year-old former employee of the Razorbacks Foundation and UA volleyball player.

The "inappropriate" part of their relationship, while a compelling story, is ultimately a private matter and likely not grounds for termination on its own. Granted, UA's handbook does cite potential punishment for a consensual sexual relationship, and Petrino could be in violation of such rules, but we're not at that point just yet.

Where Dorrell's possible relationship with Petrino could affect his job security is her promotion to the current UA student-athlete development coordinator for football back on March 28. Petrino and Dorrell were involved in the motorcycle accident just four days later.

Dorrell replaced Dann Kabala, who took a job at Pitt as the football program's player personnel director. According to Arkansas, Dorrell is making $55,735 in her current job, same as what Kabala did when he occupied the position.

The question becomes when did the relationship between Petrino and Dorrell allegedly become "inappropriate" -- before or after Dorrell got her current job? In other words, what's the exact date for "previous"? If the "inappropriate" part began after her hiring, the only thing that means is that I have severely underestimated Petrino's effect on women.

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