Arkansas Children’s Hospital Cancels Petrino Golf Classic

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation officials said Tuesday afternoon that it will cancel the Bobby Petrino Charity Golf Classic, which was scheduled for June 18 at the Country Club of Little Rock.

"After consulting with the Petrino family, we are sad to report that Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation has no choice but to cancel the June 18, 2012, golf tournament intended to benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital," according to a statement from the foundation. "Coach Petrino apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Foundation sincerely thank the Petrino family for their personal support."

On April 10, Petrino was fired from the University of Arkansas after a review of his relationship with a 25-year-old staff employee and his attempts to mislead the university about her hiring and involvement in his April 1 motorcycle accident.

In September, Petrino said in a news conference at the ACH that he was starting an annual golf tournament to raise money for the hospital.

"Becky and I chose to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital because we believe in the mission of this amazing institution," Bobby Petrino said in a September news release. "As parents, we know the importance of having such a facility here in our state."

Also in September, the Petrinos announced they were giving $250,000 for construction of the hospital’s South Wing. ACH said in September that it would name a family lounge and waiting area in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit in the Petrinos’ honor.

Foundation spokeswoman Chris McCreight said Tuesday that the foundation wouldn’t comment on a personal gift.

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