Jessica Dorrell Leaves UA In Settlement Agreement

The woman in the center of the controversy of fired Razorback football coach Bobby Petrino is leaving her university post.

Jessica Dorrell, a 25-year old former UA volleyball player who was hired upon the recommendation of Petrino, was with him the day of a motorcycle crash that wound up being the undoing of Petrino.  Petrino admitted to an “inappropriate relationship” with Dorrell.

This evening, the University of Arkansas athletic department released this statement:

The University of Arkansas announced today that Jessica Dorrell resigned late this afternoon as the football program’s student-athlete development coordinator, effective immediately.  

In making the announcement, athletics director Jeff Long said both he and Ms. Dorrell agreed her resignation was in the best interest of both parties.

“While Ms. Dorrell had a legitimate right to apply for and accept a position within the football program, the circumstances surrounding the former coach’s decision to hire her compromised her ability to be effective in such a position,” he said. “She and I believe she should have the opportunity to move on.”  

As part of her resignation, Ms. Dorrell agreed she would not attempt to sell or profit from her affiliation with Razorback Athletics. The University will pay Ms. Dorrell approximately $14,000 as part of a settlement and resolution of all matters between the parties.

There are no immediate plans to re-open or advertise the job opportunity. Those duties will be assigned to other staff members for the time being.