Petrino’s motorcycle on the auction block
FAYETTEVILLE — A piece of infamous Arkansas sports history is now for sale.
Former Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino’s 2007 Harley Davidson, which he wrecked on April 1 off Highway 16 near the town of Crosses, is being auctioned off on the website Copart.com this month.
The accident — and the events that followed over the next several days — eventually led to Petrino’s dismissal on April 10.
Petrino initially lied about being the only person involved in the accident. Jessica Dorrell, a 25-year-old employee Petrino had recently hired, was on the back of the motorcycle. Petrino later admitted to having an affair with Dorrell and paying her $20,000 in gifts after she had been hired.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Petrino’s Arkansas contract was terminated for cause and John L. Smith was hired to lead the program through the 2012 season.
The vehicle identification number for Petrino’s motorcycle, which has a Razorback on the gas tank and the phrase “Hawg Wild” inscribed on it, matches the one in the Arkansas State Police accident report. The auction site lists the motorcycle’s odometer at 1,032 miles and its retail value is set at $16,000. Estimated damages are $18,481.
Pictures of the motorcycle show visible damage to the front end. The wind screen — which was present in police photos taken at the accident scene — also is missing.
The highest bid for the motorcycle had reached $4,000 late Tuesday afternoon. The bidding is expected to last through May 30.
Arkansas hoops adds junior college transfer
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas added another player to its 2012-13 roster Wednesday, when junior college power forward Coty Clarke told Hawgs Illustrated he had committed to the Razorbacks.
The 6-foot-7 Clarke attended Lawson State (Ala.) Community College and averaged 16.2 points and 13.5 rebounds a game. He was the nation’s second-leading JUCO rebounder last season. Lawson played high school basketball at Pinson Valley High in Alabama.
Lawson — who reportedly had offers from Georgia, Auburn, Memphis, Bradley and Southern Miss — will join an Arkansas roster that will feature plenty of new faces next season.
He is the fifth 2012 signee, joining forwards Jacorey Williams and Michael Qualls, and guards Anthlon Bell and Dee Wagner. The Hogs also added Houston transfer Alandise Harris, a Little Rock native, to the roster earlier this spring.