Missouri State football has announced the cancellation of its scheduled 2025 game against Arkansas due to concerns over former Razorbacks head coach Bobby Petrino leading the Arkansas program. The decision to cancel the game came after a mutual agreement between the two teams.
The University of Missouri State released a statement explaining that they felt uncomfortable playing against a team led by Petrino, who had a controversial tenure as head coach at Arkansas from 2008 to 2011. Petrino was fired from his position after it was revealed that he had an extramarital affair with a staff member and misled university officials about the incident.
The Missouri State Bears were scheduled to face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2025 as part of a non-conference match-up. The decision to cancel the game was made in the best interest of the university and its football program.
Petrino, who was hired as the head coach at Arkansas for a second time in 2013, is known for his successful coaching career but has also received criticism for his off-field behavior. The University of Missouri State expressed concern over the message that playing against a team coached by Petrino would send to their student-athletes and fans.
While the cancellation of the game may come as a disappointment to fans of both teams, Missouri State football officials believe it is the right decision given the circumstances. The Bears will now look to fill the gap in their schedule with another opponent for the 2025 season.
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