After a day of bizarre denials, the University of Louisville's head football coach now admits he met with officials from Auburn University without first seeking the permission of his employers.

Bobby Petrino officially withdrew his name from consideration for the Auburn job, which is not "officially" open, and apologized for his involvement in the fiasco.  The admission and apology came, however, after Petrino had repeatedly denied any contact with Auburn officials.

The Louisville Courer-Journal has confirmed, however, that Auburn University President William Walker, athletic director David Housel and two of the university's trustees flew to the Louisville area last week on a private jet the newspaper says was provided by Auburn Trustee Bobby Lowder.  The Montgomery Advertiser reports this morning that the plane was registered to Colonial Bank.

The newspaper also quoted Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich as blasting Auburn for its involvement in the incident.  In a copyrighted interview (see link below for more), he said that Auburn was "damn lucky" to have current head coach Tommy Tuberville and called the visit "highly disturbing."

Auburn President Walker confirmed the visit last night but continues to maintain that he has made no decision on the future of Tuberville.  He called the meeting part of his process of considering options.  Tuberville, so far, has made no comment on the Louisville meeting.

Speculation over Tuberville's future at Auburn has been rampant during recent weeks because of the team's disappointing performance this year.  Auburn is 7-5 after last weekend's win over Alabama.  Louisville posted a 9-3 record this year.

It is unclear whether the Louisville meeting will have any lasting impact on the Auburn program.  Universities are required to obtain permission before interviewing coaches at other schools.  Coach Petrino apologized to his university for not seeking their permission and also apologized to Coach Tuberville.  Petrino worked for Tuberville in 2002 as Auburn's offensive coordinator.

WTVM News Leader 9 is following this story and will have complete coverage today on News Leader 9 at Noon, 5, 5:30 and 6.

To read the coverage in the Louisville Courier- Journal, follow this link:

http://www.courier-journal.com/cjsports/news2003/11/26/spt-front-petrinojump-8888.html