The SEC announced Friday afternoon that all team activities, including games, workouts and meetings, will be cancelled until at least April 15 in wake of the coronavirus spread.
Eric Musselman's basketball team's play was halted after round one of the SEC tournament, Mike Neighbor's basketball team's play was halted after the SEC tournament and before the NCAA tournament selection show, Sam Pittman's football team is no longer proceeding with spring football due to begin Monday, March 16, and Dave Van Horn's team has stopped play after just six series and before SEC play.
Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek said Friday in his press conference that it's unreasonable to expect the teams to be able to compete after a month or more off, so there is a good chance we've seen the last Razorback sporting events until at least next fall.
The following are the statements from each of Arkansas's major head coaches in the aftermath of the news, courtesy of the UA:
Eric Musselman – Men’s Basketball Head Coach
“Thank you to Commissioner Sankey and Hunter Yurachek for their leadership during this unique timeframe. While we are extremely disappointed for our team and fans that the basketball season came to a sudden end, the health and wellbeing of our student-athletes and community is paramount.
“My heart particularly breaks for our seniors Adrio Bailey, Jamario Bell, Jeantal Cylla and Jimmy Whitt. Those guys helped us establish a culture for our program that will help us in numerous ways moving forward so we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”
Mike Neighbors – Women’s Basketball Head Coach
“First of all, I really want to thank Commissioner Greg Sankey and Vice Chancellor Hunter Yurachek for their leadership during this unprecedented time. We know they will continue to do what is best for our student-athletes and our programs.
“With that said, I am devastated for our team, and especially our seniors. This team worked so hard to get to this point, and an NCAA berth meant so much to this program this year. My heart goes out to them, and I just want to thank Kiara Williams and Alexis Tolefree for their hard work since joining this program. You both will be Razorbacks for life, and this program doesn’t get back to the tournament without your contributions on and off the court.
“We know these decisions are being made with the well-being of the community in mind. While I am disappointed in the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament, I am glad there are preventative measures being put in place to combat this ever-changing public health threat.”
Sam Pittman – Football Head Coach
“I appreciate the leadership that Hunter and Commissioner Sankey have shown over the last few days. These are unprecedented times that we are all dealing with right now and they continue to evolve. We want to make sure we are doing the right thing for the health and safety of our student-athletes and community. When we are allowed to return to team activities, we’ll be ready to go with a plan to improve our football program until then we’re focused on making sure everyone stays healthy.”
Dave Van Horn – Baseball Head Coach
“First, I would like to thank SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and our Director of Athletics & Vice Chancellor Hunter Yurachek for their leadership and communication throughout these difficult times. Although we are disappointed we are not starting our conference schedule this weekend, the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff members, coaches and fans is the top priority. I feel bad for our players for all of the time and hard-work they’ve put into this season and we’re disappointed we won’t get to play in front of our great fan base during this time. We look forward to getting back together as a full team in the future.”
