Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

IN MY OPINION: Arkansas Head Coach John L. Smith Released, Finally

Posted Saturday, November 24, 2012, at 9:23 PM

Photo credit: Associated Press (AP)

Jon Gruden, where are you?

Arkansas endured its worst football season since former coach Houston Nutt's squad went 4-7 in 2005. The Hogs 20-13 loss to No. 7 LSU punctuated the end of a season filled with misery for pigskin fans in the Natural State.

Arkansas finished with an overall record of 4-8 and only two wins in SEC play (Kentucky and Auburn). Amidst the chaos one good thing has come from the end of this season -- the release of John L. Smith as Arkansas head football coach. Smith will remain a consultant for the program until his contract expires in February.

A series of terrible decisions snowballed only to culminate in a nightmare for Razorback football. Former coach Bobby Petrino was fired for deceiving administrators in regards to an adulterous relationship he had with a female employee at the University of Arkansas.

Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long then compounded the problem by hiring a clearly unqualified John L. Smith (see statistical numbers below) to helm the Razorbacks football program for 10 months.

Now, after sacrificing the 2012 football season, Long can focus on hiring a qualified head coach to rebuild a program that started the season ranked in top 10 but did not qualify to play in a postseason bowl game.

In a press conference earlier this season, after No. 1 Alabama pummeled the Hogs 52-0, a sarcastic John L. Smith lashed out at journalists in attendance urging them to smile (see video below) before he would address any questions.

And after today's announcement of Smith's removal as Arkansas head coach, I can happily say: John, I'm smiling.

*John L. Smith's Head Coaching Credentials -- By the Numbers:

Overall record 132-86 with a win percent of .606

Home games: 77-35 with a win percent of .688

Away games 55-51 with a win percent of .519

*prior to coming to Arkansas

Check out Smith's school-by-school numbers here: http://www.carrollconews.com/blogs/thrash-sports/entry/49073/

Follow Steven on Twitter: THRASHST3

**This entry is strictly the opinion of the writer and does not reflect the opinions or views of the Carroll County News.