Smith Delivers Pep Talk

Remember when a former Boise State University football player called ex-Boise State and University of Arkansas football coach Houston Nutt “a used-car salesman?” Boy, did that get under Nutt’s skin.

We’re still not sure if that reflects poorly of Nutt or used-car salesmen. But we are sure we spotted former Razorbacks football coach John L. Smith at a local car lot last month.

Smith, though, wasn’t selling cars. He was selling himself, speaking during a Saturday morning sales meeting at Everett Chevrolet in Springdale, owned by Dwight Everett of Bryant.

The company often brings in a motivational speaker of some sort, we’re told. It seems UA radio color commentator Rick Schaeffer, who connects UA coaches with the dealership from time to time, brought Smith to Everett.

Smith’s message, we were told, was heavy on the rah-rah, befitting the demeanor of a college football coach.

Smith, of course, drew the ire of most Hog fans by leading Arkansas to a 4-8 record last year, while also battling personal bankruptcy difficulties.

You wouldn’t have known any of that, however, according to one Everett staffer in the room. He said the coach’s talk was well received.