FAYETTEVILLE — John McDonnell confirmed Tuesday he won’t be an assistant coach for the United States track and field team at the 2008 Summer Olympics after a question was raised concerning his coaching of foreign athletes who previously or now compete for Arkansas.

McDonnell said he resigned from the staff after being contacted by Texas Coach Bubba Thornton, the Team USA head coach, several weeks ago.

“Bubba called me and said the question had been raised that I’ve been coaching international athletes and anyone who does that should reconsider being a coach [for Team USA ],” McDonnell said. “I just sent them an e-mail reply [that said ] under the circumstances, my first obligation is to the foreign athletes at Arkansas, and if that stands in the way of anything, I’ll just turn down the job [with Team USA ].” McDonnell, who is retiring as Arkansas’ coach effective the end of the outdoor season, said he isn’t upset with Thornton or anyone else connected with USA Track & Field.

“Being honest, I’m not disappointed one bit,” McDonnell said. “I didn’t make a big deal about it.” McDonnell, a native of Ireland who became a U. S. citizen in 1969, said he previously turned down several opportunities to coach at the Olympics or other international events.

“I have done what I wanted to do all my life, and that’s coach a college team,” said McDonnell, who became Arkansas’ cross country coach and assistant track coach in 1972 and was promoted to head track coach in 1978. “I was paid by the University of Arkansas, and that’s where my allegiance has been all along.” McDonnell said he’s always been glad to help coach his former athletes — for no fee — whether they’re from the United States or another country.

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“I’ve enjoyed doing it,” he said. “I’m not going to get into politics over it.” Twenty-three athletes who competed at Arkansas during McDonnell’s tenure have been Olympians, including 14 for foreign countries and nine for the United States.

McDonnell still coaches former Razorback Alistair Cragg, who will run in the 2008 Olympics for Ireland, as he did in 2004.

McDonnell said the main reason he accepted an invitation from USA Track & Field to coach for Team USA in 2008 was because he knew he intended to retire from college coaching.

“We are disappointed John won’t be part of the staff, but we understand his loyalty to the athletes he coaches,” Thornton said in a USA Track & Field news release.

Louisville Coach Ron Mann is replacing McDonnell on the Team USA staff.