Since graduating with a Master's degree from the University of Washington in 2010, Christianne Harder has worked for the football programs at Stanford and Washington. She currently is consulting for Western Kentucky's football program on its recruiting and social networking programs. She was one of the 159 applicants for the job former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino gave to Jessica Dorrell, the woman with whom Petrino had an inappropriate relationship.
I was perusing a football fan site earlier this month when I saw the post "Bobby Petrino didn't mention the 25-year-old female with him when he crashed." I clicked on the link and read that the person who was riding with the Arkansas coach was his new Student-Athlete Development Coordinator. "Damn it!" I thought, "Jessica Dorrell just screwed me."
How could the actions of a woman I've never met hurt me?
I've worked in college football in recruiting and social media for three years. Since I earned my Master's from the University of Washington's Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership program, I have navigated a world where very few women land jobs other than administrative assistants. Thanks to Dorrell's hiring, and the subsequent outing of an inappropriate relationship with Petrino, she has now unintentionally set all women who work in college football back. As if getting a job in college football wasn't hard enough.
For the most part, college football is still a man's world. While other college sports have some sort of female equivalent where both genders hold coaching positions, football does not. Though a few women work in team operations or recruiting, very few hold director titles. There are a small number of operations assistants who are women, and an even smaller number working in recruiting. I know of no woman who holds a Director of Player Personnel title in the country. So it was maddening when I looked at the press release issued by Arkansas about the hiring of Dorrell. One of the most sought after positions in the country, head of recruiting for Arkansas Football, had gone to a woman! This was unprecedented.
Full disclosure: I applied for this job. I wanted to know why I didn't even get a phone interview. Naturally, I checked out Dorrell's public bio. She had never worked in a football office in any capacity. She came from a fundraising background, which demands skills that translate very well to recruiting, but hands-on experience is a prerequisite. How do I know this? I worked in fundraising for four years. Clearly, if Dorrell hadn't been engaged in a relationship with Petrino, there would be no story. People get jobs they aren't qualified for in football all the time. But she was romantically involved with him, and that's why she got the job.
What I suspect Jessica Dorrell failed to realize, not being a woman in football, is what a gift she was given. She never had to struggle to get her foot in the door, work for free or move away from her home to a school with which she had no connection in pursuit of her dream. Who knows if working in football even was her dream. She had no idea that her actions will have lasting implications for women across the country. Her decision to continue seeing Petrino proves she had no concept of the gravity of her indiscretions. A true football chick, as I like to call us, would have never done such a thing. Our jobs are too important to us because they are so hard to get.
There are two major unspoken rules for a woman in a football office. The first is that you watch what you wear. Left to my own devices, I wear professional, knee length dresses and heels to the football office. This worked at Stanford. But at Washington, anything dressier than jeans was not OK, as it was seen as a "distraction" in the office. I soon learned that my best bet was to always wear pants and flats.
The second unspoken rule of women in football is be careful of how -- and where -- you engage with the coaches. Football professionals work long hours, especially during the season, and we travel with the team. By being one of a few women in an office full of men, you do everything you can to not put yourself in a situation that could be misconstrued as inappropriate. Any football chick will tell you that we have no interest whatsoever in compromising our hard-earned titles for any man who works in coaching -- we are going to be the football guru in our households thank-you-very-much -- outsiders certainly look for signs of impropriety. Thanks to Dorrell's relationship with Petrino, they will be looking even harder now for things that, in the vast majority of professional situations, simply do not exist.
Earlier this month, I was supposed to have dinner with a coach from another football program. We had met in an airport coming back from the American Football Coaches Association Convention, and he loved my work at WKU, so we stayed in touch. We were finally going to get together to talk. Then the Petrino story broke. I had expressed my frustration to him about the situation, and what it meant to my future the night before, over text messages. The next day he called to cancel our dinner. I couldn't believe it. Why? The coach said that he respected the hell out of me professionally, but due to the Petrino/Dorrell thing, he didn't want our outing to be misconstrued. He had even talked to his wife about it. Her response? She wanted to see what I thought.
Here is what I thought: This is how Jessica Dorrell's actions have immediately affected my life. She is costing me networking opportunities with powerful people who want to see me succeed. Coaches are cognizant of the effect her indiscretions are going to have on my career, and are trying to protect me -- or perhaps themselves. Will male coaches shun getting to know me because they worry that it could all be misconstrued? Dinners, drinks and talks at conventions and at games are how connections are made. How will I get my foot in the door at another program now?
The bottom line is that perception is reality. Because of Jessica Dorrell's actions, there will be a greater suspicion of all the women who apply and interview for these jobs. Sadly, we don't need another excuse to be unfairly scrutinized.
"Bobby Petrino: How His Actions Negatively Impacted Women in Sports"
In the world of sports, the actions and behaviors of coaches can have a profound impact on athletes, teams, and the broader sports community. Bobby Petrino, a well-known figure in college football coaching, found himself in the spotlight not just for his on-field strategies but also for his off-field conduct, which had negative repercussions for women in sports. In this unique and informative article, we will delve into the ways in which Bobby Petrino's actions negatively impacted women in sports, shedding light on the broader issues surrounding gender equity, professionalism, and respect within the sports industry.
Chapter 1: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino's career in college football coaching was marked by both success and controversy. He was known for his offensive acumen and ability to lead teams to victory. However, his tenure at various institutions was marred by incidents that raised serious questions about his character and treatment of women.
Coaching Success: Petrino achieved notable success at multiple coaching positions, including at the University of Louisville and the University of Arkansas.
Controversies Emerge: Controversies began to surface during his coaching career, including a scandal involving an extramarital affair with a staff member.
Impact on Women: Petrino's actions and decisions had direct and indirect consequences for women within the sports programs he led.
Chapter 2: Neglect of Professionalism
One of the ways in which Bobby Petrino negatively impacted women in sports was through a lack of professionalism in his personal conduct:
Inappropriate Relationships: Petrino's extramarital affair with Jessica Dorrell, a staff member, demonstrated a disregard for professional boundaries and ethics.
Diminished Credibility: Such incidents erode the credibility of leaders within the sports industry, potentially discouraging women from pursuing careers in sports.
Toxic Work Environment: An atmosphere of secrecy and impropriety can create a toxic work environment that disproportionately affects women, who may feel vulnerable or marginalized.
Chapter 3: Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Bobby Petrino's actions also had implications for the broader issue of gender equity in sports:
Reinforcing Stereotypes: Petrino's behavior contributed to the stereotype of male coaches in positions of power exploiting their authority and engaging in inappropriate relationships.
Impact on Women's Opportunities: Such incidents can perpetuate barriers for women seeking opportunities in coaching and administrative roles within college sports.
Need for Accountability: The lack of accountability in high-profile coaching positions can discourage women from reporting misconduct and seeking justice.
Chapter 4: The Role of Institutions
The response of institutions to Bobby Petrino's actions is a critical factor in addressing these issues:
Institutional Responsibility: Educational institutions and sports programs have a responsibility to set and enforce clear codes of conduct and to address misconduct promptly.
Support and Resources: Institutions must provide support and resources to those affected by misconduct, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
Leadership Matters: Institutions must evaluate the character and ethics of their coaching staff to ensure that they serve as positive role models for athletes, regardless of gender.
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the specific consequences for Bobby Petrino following his actions?
Bobby Petrino faced professional consequences, including job terminations and damage to his reputation.
How can institutions promote gender equity and professionalism in sports?
Institutions can promote gender equity by hiring and retaining women in coaching and administrative roles, implementing clear policies against misconduct, and fostering an inclusive and respectful sports culture.
What can aspiring female athletes and professionals learn from the Bobby Petrino case?
Aspiring female athletes and professionals can learn the importance of advocating for their rights, seeking support, and holding institutions and individuals accountable for misconduct.
Has the sports industry made progress in addressing issues related to gender equity and professionalism?
The sports industry has made strides in addressing these issues, but challenges persist. Continued efforts are needed to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
The case of Bobby Petrino serves as a stark reminder of the impact that the actions of sports figures can have on women in the industry. His lack of professionalism and disregard for boundaries not only damaged his own career but also contributed to broader issues related to gender equity and respect in sports. It underscores the importance of holding individuals and institutions accountable for their behavior and promoting a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, and respect within the sports community. By learning from such cases and advocating for change, we can work toward a future where women in sports are treated with the dignity and equity they deserve.
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