It also seems a pretty transparent example of a Republican governor presuming his strongly Republican base in Northwest Arkansas will forgive and forget by the next time he runs for office but that maybe some Democrats in Little Rock and elsewhere will vote for him as War Memorial Stadium's rescuing patron saint. That's the cynical view, but at least it makes sense. Because if it's not for votes, then maybe we are to believe the governor has deluded himself into thinking that hosting a Razorback Hall of Honor banquet a few years back catches him up with Broyles in knowing what's best for the UA's athletic program. He's only been the Razorbacks' athletic director since 1973 and has either been a player, coach or in athletic administration nearly his entire life. Not that there isn't a right to challenge Broyles' thinking on this or any other issue, it's just that this issue is inappropriate for the governor's involvement.
Horrific examples abound when politicians get too involved with athletic programs.
Former Texas Gov. Bill Clements getting lumped into Southern Methodist University's problems when SMU ran afoul of the NCAA in the 1980s comes to mind. The usual ceremonial stuff of politicians touring noteworthy teams through the Governor's Mansion and White House, etc., or betting a platter of barbecued pork vs. barbecued beef with a rival state's governor before a bowl game is one thing. Those who want all or most of the Razorback games in Fayetteville and those who want most of the Razorback games in Little Rock ought to unite in wanting no part of the governor in the game. Letting politicians politicize the Razorbacks is the fastest way to ruin what has been our state's most unifying source. Copyright 1999-2001, Morris Communications Corporation and The E.W. Scripps Company.