FAYETTEVILLE — Like the rest of the state, Arkansas players found out athletic director Jeff Long had been fired Wednesday morning.
For senior defensive back Kevin Richardson, who first met Long when he was a little-known freshman walk-on, the news was tough to hear.
"To still be as friendly as he was to me as a walk-on to a captain on the team now, it just means a lot that he cares about not just those big-star recruits, he cares about everybody," Richardson said.
Long served as Arkansas' athletic director since 2008. Under his direction, multiple sports received facilities upgrades, a new academic center was built and several coaches, including Bret Bielema and Mike Anderson were hired.
"That's a guy that cares about not just football, but every program on this campus and he's worked day in and day out to progress every department on this campus," Richardson said. "Not just football, but basketball, soccer, he's at every event. Ya'll follow him on Twitter just like I do. You see the work he puts in for not just sports, but academics. That's showed and it's excelled since he's been here and since coach (Bret Bielema's) been here.
"So I feel like that's really impacted me since I've been here, so it was tough to see him go."
Richardson was one of three Razorback football players made available to the media Wednesday evening. Outside linebacker Jamario Bell said he and his teammates hadn't really discussed the firing. Sophomore middle linebacker Scoota Harris wished Long the best.
"He's around us a lot. I talked to him just coming in from after the games, after playing, but I haven't really spent that much time around him," Harris said. "... He was a good guy, very respectful to us, always. Was there around in bad situations, he was always smiling, cheering us up, so I feel bad for what happened and I hope the best for him."
Richardson was one of many current and former Razorbacks who expressed their support
for and appreciation of Long on social media after the news came out. Here is a sample:
Respect everything @jefflongUA has done here at Arkansas, one of the best AD’s in the country.
— Kevin Richardson II (@K_Rich30) November 15, 2017
Just want to thank Jeff Long for everything he’s done for me and all of the student-athletes at Arkansas. He’s opened so many doors for us and has done all he could do to help us succeed. Thanks boss! @jefflongUA
— Brooks Ellis (@brooksellis51) November 16, 2017
Three Things I like about Arkansas! Catfish Hole, Dickson St, Jeff Long
— Otha Peters Jr (@otha_peters) November 15, 2017
Who can replace @jefflongUA ?? Great AD and even better person!
— Jonathan Williams (@Jwillpart2) November 15, 2017
You always treated me with nothing but respect @jefflongUA best of luck to you in the future!
— Dusty Hannahs (@D_Hannahs) November 15, 2017
I agree. @jefflongUA is my guy and i will always support him! Love you Jeff. https://t.co/fQw3ps3Ngy
— Drew Morgan (@drewmorgan15) November 15, 2017
"You saw it all across social media today, guys were wishing him the best," Richardson said. "Not just us, but basketball and soccer and everybody, gymnastics, all those different sports. ... That's huge to see that everybody cares about him, just like he does us."