UM players speak out

Team reacts to Arkansas social media criticism

CORAL GABLES — They were supposed to be practicing Wednesday morning.

Instead, Miami Hurricanes football coach Mark Richt gathered his team and told them their plans were changing in a big way with the threat of Hurricane Irma growing greater for South Florida. On Wednesday, school officials made the decision not to travel to Jonesboro, Ark., for Saturday’s game against Arkansas State.

Miami’s 16th-ranked football team wasn’t the only team to see its schedule and plans change. The Hurricanes women’s soccer team canceled two weekend matches on campus. The cross-country team canceled a meet. The volleyball team canceled a two-match trip to Philadelphia.

But it was Miami’s decision to cancel the football game that spurred a social media outcry — much of it coming from Jonesboro.

Arkansas State, which is coming off an impressive showing in a 43-36 loss at Nebraska, was set to host the highest-ranked opponent in program history. It would have been the biggest football game at Centennial Bank Stadium. Fans were, understandably, disappointed.

Then Arkansas State athletic director Pat Mohajir issued a statement that offered prayers and good thoughts for those in Irma’s path in South Florida. The statement continued saying he, his school and ESPN offered Miami the alternative choice of playing on Friday night with assistance for

Richt