Replacements needed

Bob Holt, sportswriter for this newspaper, wrote that Coach Bret Bielema said he’s seen enough of his field-goal kicker. He then quotes Coach Bielema as saying, “The two missed field goals were just embarrassing.”

The real embarrassment is having our head coach standing on the sideline looking lost.

Coaches occasionally chew players up one side and down the other, but never in print or to a reporter. Believing Mr. Holt’s reporting is accurate, Coach Bielema might consider a “sincere” apology to our kicker in a team meeting and in print. Then see what happens. By the way, our margin of loss, if the two field goals had been good, would have been 15.

Razorback football has been to the brink and the top of college football with stature and character numerous times. It’s my understanding that it has not achieved a break-even season in conference play since Coach Bielema arrived.

Coach Bielema recruited the players, and he and his assistants have coached them. The results are his responsibility. After four consecutive mostly lackluster years of conference play, a new or interim head coach should be hired as soon as possible.

As for Jeff Long, our athletic director, he seems more occupied with his presence on the NCAA college football playoff selection committee than with doing all he can to get Arkansas in a position to be in the playoffs. Mr. Long apparently accepts the present state of football affairs, and he too should be replaced.

MARK SPRADLEY

Little Rock