Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas has canceled media availability for this week’s game against No. 1 LSU.

Citing the recent death of redshirt freshman tight end Garrett Uekman, Athletic Director Jeff Long said he supports Bobby Petrino’s decision to forgo interviews until after Friday’s game between the Tigers (11-0, 7-0) and No. 3 Razorbacks (10-1, 6-1).

Below is the statement from Long:

“I want to thank Coach Bobby Petrino and his staff for their leadership during this difficult time within our football program. We all continue to grieve the passing of Garrett Uekman. While we recognize the tremendous interest in this week’s game, our first obligation as a program is to help our football student-athletes continue to cope with this tragedy. In that regard, Coach Petrino has made the decision to postpone interview availability of coaches and players until the completion of Friday’s game. I support Coach Petrino’s decision and respectfully ask for everyone’s understanding and support.”

Petrino and players were scheduled to meet with media on Monday afternoon. Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee and defensive coordinator Willy Robinson and players were scheduled for Tuesday and Petrino was slotted for the weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday.

Arkansas practiced Wednesday morning during the time normally allotted for the SEC call.

Petrino spoke at a press conference on Sunday to address Uekman's passing. He was also a speaker Monday at an on-campus memorial service for Uekman. 

"As his parents shared with us, Garrett would have wanted us to play," Petrino said on Monday. "He would have wanted us to compete. He would have wanted us to play passionately with everything we had. With your support, we will do just that."