Razorback Fans Sport Gear, Shop in Support
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: April 11, 2012
While Razorback Nation fans are still reeling from the firing of head coach Bobby Petrino, many people are so proud of how the athletic director handled the issue, they're pulling out and buying gear to show continued support.
At Game Day Superstore in North Little Rock Wednesday, shopper Miranda Null showed her love for the Razorbacks isn't just for game days, but everyday.
"I come in here probably once a month to see what they have new. And I try to get stuff for my daughter too, she's 2," said Null.
Null showed off the hogs emblem on her license plate, key chain and wallet while shopping, one day after the University of Arkansas fired Petrino.
"It's saddening. It's a little bit disappointing but I know the coach is not what makes the team," she said.
Store owner Steve Jenkins says he also watched the controversy unfold, with a bit of apprehension.
"When this begin to unravel we were concerned about what effect this would have on continuity for our players and where our team was going to go," he said.
That's because the love for the team drives sales at the store. Jenkins has watched the range of gear explode through the family business over the past thirty years. They went from offering regular t-shirts for adults, babies and dogs, to decorated dipping trays, food and other home goods.
One thing he says they won't sell are items mocking the scandal, such as "Petrino's Motorcycle Club" t-shirts being sold online.
"I can assure you anything done like that not is sanctioned or licensed by the U of A and really just doesn't do anything to help the situation," said Jenkins.
The one thing he's seen stay the same is the dedication of hog fans.
Null said, "If we stay positive and keep a good outlook and say hey they're going to win, we're still fans it doesn't matter, their spirits are going to be higher."
At Game Day Superstore in North Little Rock Wednesday, shopper Miranda Null showed her love for the Razorbacks isn't just for game days, but everyday.
"I come in here probably once a month to see what they have new. And I try to get stuff for my daughter too, she's 2," said Null.
Null showed off the hogs emblem on her license plate, key chain and wallet while shopping, one day after the University of Arkansas fired Petrino.
"It's saddening. It's a little bit disappointing but I know the coach is not what makes the team," she said.
Store owner Steve Jenkins says he also watched the controversy unfold, with a bit of apprehension.
"When this begin to unravel we were concerned about what effect this would have on continuity for our players and where our team was going to go," he said.
That's because the love for the team drives sales at the store. Jenkins has watched the range of gear explode through the family business over the past thirty years. They went from offering regular t-shirts for adults, babies and dogs, to decorated dipping trays, food and other home goods.
One thing he says they won't sell are items mocking the scandal, such as "Petrino's Motorcycle Club" t-shirts being sold online.
"I can assure you anything done like that not is sanctioned or licensed by the U of A and really just doesn't do anything to help the situation," said Jenkins.
The one thing he's seen stay the same is the dedication of hog fans.
Null said, "If we stay positive and keep a good outlook and say hey they're going to win, we're still fans it doesn't matter, their spirits are going to be higher."
