By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Rotnei Clarke is no longer part of the Arkansas basketball program.
After meeting with athletic director Jeff Long on Monday, Clarke was granted his release from the program. It ended a saga that reached the boiling point late last week when Clarke told a national media outlet he had requested a release last Monday, but it had been denied by new Arkansas coach Mike Anderson.
Clarke’s wish was granted a week later, though, after Arkansas explained he completed “all the necessary requirements for obtaining a release.” It included, according to Arkansas, an “in-person meeting with the athletic director or his designee.” Arkansas had said last week Long was out of town and wouldn’t be back in the office until Monday.
“Upon receiving a written request and meeting with him (Monday), as part of our review process, it is clear to me that it is in the best interests of everyone for Rotnei to continue his academic and athletic career elsewhere,” Long said in a statement. “We wish him well and hope that he finds what he is searching for at a new institution.”
Clarke played in 92 games in his Arkansas career, averaging 14.2 points. He is leaving the program as the school’s single-game record holder for points scored (51) and 3-point field goals (13), setting the marks in the 2009-10 season opener against Alcorn State.
Clarke considered transfers at previous points in his Arkansas career, although last week’s declaration was his most vocal statement. Clarke told CBSSports.com he didn’t believe Anderson’s denial was fair, considering Arkansas had recently released forward Glenn Bryant and guard Jeff Peterson.
“I love the school and the fans,” Clarke told CBSSports.com last week. “But I just don’t feel as though it’s the best fit for me basketball-wise — and it’s tough watching guys like Jeff and Glenn be able to go somewhere else, where I’m not able to.”
Clarke’s request for a release was his second in roughly two months. Long said he wouldn’t consider the first — which came after the 2010-11 season — until Clarke had met with Anderson. The two met and Anderson said it went well, saying Clarke was on board as the Hogs prepared for the 2011-12 season.
But that changed this month when Clarke said he didn’t fit in Anderson’s system. Anderson was not made available for comment to discuss the situation, but offered his side in Arkansas’ press release Monday.
“Shortly after I arrived, I met with him and was given every indication that he wanted to be a part of our program moving forward,” Anderson said. “Recently, Rotnei informed me of his intent to leave the University of Arkansas. At that time, I informed him that he would need to speak with the athletic director regarding his request. I then recommended to Jeff Long that we grant him a release to allow him to speak to other schools.”
Anderson said he wished Clarke “the best as he moves on.” Where that is remains unknown, although Clarke can now talk to schools about transferring. Clarke still will have to gain approval from Arkansas before being permitted to transfer to a new program.
He will have to sit out the 2011-12 season under NCAA transfer rules and have one year of eligibility remaining beginning in 2012-13.
Attempts to reach Clarke were unsuccessful Monday. The guard has not spoken to the local media since the end of the 2010-11 season. His father, Conley Clarke, also did not respond to messages seeking comment Monday night.
But the official departure wraps up a messy saga which now leaves Arkansas with 10 scholarship players for next season. Clarke, Bryant and Peterson are all gone, while signee Aaron Ross’ eligibility is in doubt as he awaits the result of his most recent ACT test.
Clarke’s departure also ensures no members of the six-player 2008 signing class will make it through four years with the Razorbacks.
The class, which was signed by former coach John Pelphrey after his first season, included Clarke, Courtney Fortson, Brandon Moore, Jason Henry, Montrell McDonald and Andre Clark. It’s no secret the now-extinct group played a role in Pelphrey’s eventual departure.
“We will continue to build our program with student-athletes who are committed on and off the court to being Razorbacks,” Anderson said in Arkansas’ press release Monday. “That is how this program was built, with guys who are dedicated to the hard work, pride and passion it requires to be a part of the championship tradition of Razorback Basketball.”
What’s Left?
Rotnei Clarke became the third player granted a release from the program Monday, joining Glenn Bryant and Jeff Peterson. So his departure leaves the Razorbacks even more short-handed as they prepare for 2011-12. Here’s a look at the six returning scholarship players and four signees currently on campus:
P Player Ht., Wt. Year
F Marshawn Powell 6-7, 220 Junior
F Michael Sanchez 6-8, 236 Senior
F Marvell Waithe 6-9, 216 Senior
F Hunter Mickelson6-11, 210 Freshman
F Devonta Abron 6-8, 249 Freshman
G Julysses Nobles 6-1, 170 Junior
G Rickey Scott 6-3, 195 Sophomore
G Mardracus Wade 6-2, 170 Sophomore
G B.J. Young 6-3, 170 Freshman
G Rashad Madden 6-5, 180 Freshman
