Trustees back Broyles, Nutt despite team defections

LITTLE ROCK (AP) _ Trustees for the University of Arkansas System say they still support Razorback athletic director Frank Broyles and football coach Houston Nutt. <br/><br/>Trustees met on Thursday, but

Friday, January 26th 2007, 8:57 am

By: News On 6

LITTLE ROCK (AP) _ Trustees for the University of Arkansas System say they still support Razorback athletic director Frank Broyles and football coach Houston Nutt.

Trustees met on Thursday, but the topic of the football program didn't come up in the open portion of the meeting or in a closed personnel session, according to members of the board.

Board vice chairman Jim Lindsey, who played for the Razorbacks while Broyles was coach, said, ``I support him all the way,'' when asked whether Broyles continues to have his endorsement.

The Razorbacks are coming off a 10-4 season, with the losses all coming against teams that finished among the top seven in the final AP poll. But Nutt and Broyles have come under fire for the defection of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who joined the staff at Tulsa, and for the transfer of freshman receiver Damian Williams. Quarterback Mitch Mustain was granted a release from his scholarship, though he remains a UA student for the spring semester.

Board chairman Stanley Reed said he still backs Broyles and Nutt.

``Do I personally support them (Broyles and Nutt)?'' Reed said. ``Yes.''

Reed said controversy is to be expected, but fans should still support the program.

``There are always issues in each different campus. We just want the people of Arkansas to come together to support our programs, to support our schools, and that's all I want to say,'' he said.

``I think time is on our side,'' board member Mike Akin said. ``Things will settle down and will work themselves out.''

Broyles was Arkansas coach from 1958-1976 and has been athletic director since 1973. He said he appreciates backing from the trustees.

``Of course I'm appreciative of their support, and I think that's a very positive thing for our athletic program,'' Broyles said. ``As I am, I think they're celebrating 10 wins and a division title with a 7-1 (SEC) record, the same as Florida had.''

Broyles said his aim is for the team to improve.

``We're celebrating (the 2006 season), and we're still building for next year with hopes of being improved. That's all I'm concentrating on.''