The Arkansas professor who was arrested for cursing out Bret Bielema over the weekend has apologized. Oh, and he will apparently keep his job, too.
Per the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Lawton Lanier Nalley, a 37-year-old assistant professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness issued a statement Monday through the university.
“I embarrassed myself, the college and the university. I hold myself to higher standards and have no excuses for my actions. I especially want to apologize to Coach Bielema,” the statement said.
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Lona Robertson, the interim dean of Arkansas’ College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, said the department is “disappointed by Dr. Nalley’s actions.”
“We have reviewed this situation and are very disappointed by Dr. Nalley’s actions, which were highly inappropriate. Dr. Nalley is remorseful for what occurred. He is respected for his teaching and research, and has been an asset to the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, and the college,” Robertson said in a statement.
“Taking all this into consideration, we are moving forward with appropriate measures to address the matter with Dr. Nalley, who remains employed by the University.”
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Nalley shouted, “If I had your record, I would be [expletive] fired. [Expletive] you” at Bielema as the coach walked off the field after the Razorbacks lost 49-30 to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday.
Nalley was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. He was booked and released from custody Saturday night.
Bielema, who now has a 22-22 record during his time in Fayetteville, joked about the incident during his Monday news conference.
“I get a lot yelled at me,” Bielema said. “I was halfway impressed he said my name correctly,” Bielema said. “I do a lot of stuff on campus every year. I think he’s in the ag school. I’ve done a couple talks over there. I guess I probably won’t be invited to speak in his classroom.”
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The loss dropped Arkansas, now No. 22 in the AP Poll, to 4-2 on the season. Through six games, that’s the best start Bielema has had to a season at Arkansas. Next on the schedule is a home game against No. 12 Ole Miss Saturday night.
For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
