Clutch Rod and Pedal Problems

I have a 4 speed in my 73 small block Duster. The problem I'm having is with the clutch pedal and the clutch rod. When I first put it all together and adjusted the clutch the pedal would only come back up about half way and I'd have to pull the all the way back up with my foot. Now, after about 100 miles on it the clutch pedal was staying down on the floor and I'd have to pull it up just to get it moving. I pulled the rod that is threaded and goes into the clutch fork out and it's bent a little bit to one side. I don't remember if it was like that when I installed it or not, but could this be causing my pedal problems? If not...what else could it be? I have a factory over center spring on the pedals.
Thanks for any help,
Jon