Associated press1 minute read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Arkansas’ athletic director has apologized after a Kentucky student reporter said his cell phone was grabbed and thrown to the ground by a Razorbacks staffer after an early exit from the tournament. the Southeastern Conference.
The Wizards had to hold off Arkansas coach Eric Musselman a few times in a 67-61 loss Friday night in the quarterfinals, where the No. 18 Texas A&M rallied from a 13-point deficit.
Reporter, Jack Weaver of the University of Kentucky’s independent student newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel, tweeted video showing Musselman leaving the field after the game and a staff member behind him appearing to drop the phone from Weaver’s hands. Weaver covered Kentucky, who played the next game.
Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek released a statement Saturday, saying support staff member Riley Hall’s actions were “not appropriate or reflective of our program.” Yurachek also said that while there was no malicious intent, “Mr. Hall expressed regret that while leaving the floor, his engagement party inadvertently knocked the reporter’s cell phone out of his hand. .”
With the loss, Arkansas (20-13) must await the announcement of the NCAA tournament draw on Sunday to find out its fate in the playoffs.
Texas A&M (24-8) advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year, where it will face Vanderbilt, who beat Kentucky.