Arkansas Business

Beebe returned from a 12-day trade mission to China on Monday. The governor was away for last week's revelation that the successful coach and married father of four had a mistress in tow when he wrecked his motorcycle April 1. Long said Petrino gave a $20,000 gift to former volleyball player Jessica Dorrell before hiring her over 158 other applicants for a recruiting job.

Beebe says the university didn't have much of a choice other than firing Petrino and that the scandal is sad for everyone involved. Beebe says Petrino's actions will leave a mark on the university, but says the way Long handled the situation is more important.