Nuttin’ but questions
There has been much made of former Arkansas running backs coach Danny Nutt appearing in the coaches’ box and wearing a set of headphones during the Razorbacks 42-29 loss to Kentucky. Nutt was spotted by the ESPN cameras, standing over the shoulder of offensive coordinator David Lee.
Here is what Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette wrote about the situation:
ESPN’s cameras showed former Arkansas assistant coach Danny Nutt in the Arkansas coaches’ box with headphones on Saturday night.
Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt said he had discussed his brother’s situation with SEC Commissioner Mike Slive and that Danny Nutt was not doing any coaching.
“He’s just listening,” Houston Nutt said. “And he has a hard time doing that, so, it just gives him a chance to watch the game.”
Danny Nutt stepped down from the coaching staff this July for health issues.
Charles Bloom, SEC associate commissioner for media relations, said Slive is reviewing the situation in light of NCAA guidelines and is expected to make an recommendation this week. Bloom said the conference would take no action based on Danny Nutt’s appearance in the coaching booth from Saturday.
The reason why the Southeastern Conference is involved in this matter is because of this NCAA bylaw:
“11.7.1.1.1.1 Noncoaching Activities. Institutional staff members involved in
noncoaching activities (e.g., administrative assistants, recruiting coordinators in
sports other than football, academic counselors) do not count in the institution’s
coaching limitations, provided such individuals are not identified as coaches, do
not engage in any on- or off-field coaching activities (e.g., attending meetings
involving coaching activities, analyzing videotape or film involving the
institution’s or an opponent’s team), and are not involved in any off-campus
recruitment of prospects or scouting of opponents.”
Danny Nutt is still on the university’s payroll, although his duties are undefined. Tim Horton took over as his replacement. The NCAA permits only nine coaches on a football staff.
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