LITTLE ROCK — For the most part, the saga of Rotnei Clarke will start to die this week.
His public demands to be released last week were met in a timely manner even though his public outcry was he wanted it sooner than later.
Clarke has every right to leave, but the way it was handled was a mistake because the release could not be made on demand.
Jeff Long was out of town when Clarke’s second request was made, and Long is not the type of administrator to tweet, text or e-mail an action that significant.
As written Sunday, Clarke’s first request was before Mike Anderson was hired and he was asked to give Anderson a chance. Clarke made an oral commitment to Anderson and then almost two months later, in the first month of summer, he changed his mind for reasons only he knows, reasons that have led to some rumors.
Some of these might have some legs and some may disappear with Clarke.
First, some from the former coaching staff (but definitely not Rob Evans, who Mike Anderson strongly considered hiring) have whispered into the ears of players, including some incoming freshmen, telling them they won’t fit into Anderson’s style of basketball.
It would be surprising if John Pelphrey wasn’t disappointed he was dismissed and didn’t get the chance to coach this incoming freshman class. Yet, this is a team that will relish and embrace discipline.
Second, that Conley Clarke, Rotnei’s dad and a former coach, wants to relocate his basketball academy.
If his business isn’t doing well then that makes sense.
Third, and this was reported in the story when Clarke was quoted as wanting out, that two incoming freshmen have asked for their release and were refused it.
It would not be surprising if a couple of freshmen are in a state of transition. In the years spent covering Arkansas athletics it might take two days to tally exactly how many homesick freshmen have been on campus.
Many of them would have been on the first bus home if they could find the bus station.
That, though, is not limited to athletes, although they generally get the first dose of it when they report in the summer to get a couple of courses out of the way and start conditioning. It doesn’t help that most of the student body is still at home.
Which brings up another point: These players have never been in the physical shape they are going to be in after this season is finished.
Being in primetime fighting condition is tough and not for the weak of heart. It takes commitment and dedication. It takes tons of mental toughness, but the dividends can be great.
The final rumor was that Jeff Peterson might ask to be reinstated. The senior, who has already graduated, was given a release, but if he asked for it and it was granted his playing days may be finished.
He has already transferred from Iowa at his request. The NCAA allows only one requested transfer.
If the UA suggested he find another place, then he could be cleared to find a new home, which he hasn’t done yet.
Anytime you have a major story like a three-year starter wanting to transfer, which is very unusual, there will be rumors.
As far as Clarke’s fiasco, it should give fans a reality check.
Anderson was, and is, the right guy for the Razorbacks job. But his rebuilding was set back when Clarke decided to transfer. Anderson was counting on Clarke.
The accusation Anderson wouldn’t release him was inaccurate. It is never the coach’s call to officially release a player and maybe the saga will go away sooner than later.
Sports, Pages 17 on 06/21/2011