What they’re saying
SEC NETWORK ANCHOR DARI NOWKHAH
As news of Bret Bielema’s firing came out Friday evening, several members of the national media as well as some current and former Arkansas Razorbacks players took to Twitter. Here are some of their responses:
“As big a fan as I’ve always been of Bret Bielema, I’m a bigger fan now. His handling of this press conference, speaking so highly of Arkansas and pledging to help in any way possible down the road. That isn’t normal. He isn’t normal. #WooBret”
TELEVISION AND RADIO PERSONALITY PAUL FINEBAUM
“As he did with all things during his tenure, Bret Bielema handled today’s firing with grace and dignity. It didn’t work out at Arkansas but there were few better people in the SEC in recent years.”
FORMER RAZORBACK PLAYER DAN SKIPPER
“Plenty of negative thoughts about @UArkansas leadership right now, and how today was handled. On a positive note Coach B was a man of great character and leadership. He loved us and coached us as men, not as just football players. Thank you for everything @ BretBielema”
FORMER RAZORBACK PLAYER MARK HENRY
“Thankful for what @BretBielema has done for my family. He is a big reason my sons chose Arkansas! Wish you well in your future.#Respect”
FORMER RAZORBACK PLAYER JONATHAN WILLIAMS
“Coming off the field? Come on man”
ARKANSAS QUARTERBACK AUSTIN ALLEN
“The past 5 years have been the best years of my life! Always dreamed of running through the A with the Razorback on my helmet and to fulfill that dream is something I’ll cherish forever. Thank you @ BretBielema for believing in me and being a truly special coach and leader of men.”
ESPN.COM REPORTER MARK SCHLABACH
“You can argue that Bret Bielema didn’t win enough games as Arkansas’ football coach, but unless a coach has committed NCAA violations or grossly embarrassed the university with his conduct, no one deserves to be fired while walking off the field after …”
USA TODAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRITER DAN WOLKEN
“Not sure it’s fair to crush Arkansas for the Bielema exit swiftness. Everyone knew. Why make him pretend otherwise in a postgame presser? When’s a good time to do it? Send him home to sleep on it? C’mon.”
ARKANSAS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN HJALTE FROHOLDT
“Thanks to the man who gave an opportunity to a kid from Denmark with a dream! I came here because of your vision and I never stopped believing! Thanks @BretBielema for your ever lasting impact on me as a player and as a person!”
FOX SPORTS AND SPORTS ILLUSTRATED REPORTER BRUCE FELDMAN
“Am told Arkansas fired Bret Bielema right after the game because his players were scattering and leaving town for the holiday weekend. And did it that way because they did not want them to hear on social media or via group text.”