The Arizona Wildcats football program has suspended redshirt junior offensive lineman Edgar Burrola after he failed to follow COVID-19 protocols.
Edgar Burrola suspended as Arizona feared COVID-19 outbreak
According to Michael Lev of Tucson.com, Burrola was resistant to adhering to protocols like using a mask and distancing. That led to fears within the program that, without taking action, it could end up having to quarantine everyone like Michigan State and Rutgers were forced to do after outbreaks within their programs.
Kevin Sumlin, the program’s head coach, made it clear that his main job right now is to protect his players.
“There’s some people that are saying that we’re making guys do this, we’re making guys do that,” Sumlin said. “What we are making them do is go through the protocol. And if you’re not gonna adhere to the protocol, then we can’t have you here.
“It’s my job to protect and uphold that protocol for everybody else that’s involved in this organization — players, coaches, administrators, medical (personnel). You’ve got coaches’ families.
“If you’re not gonna pay attention to the protocol, wear a mask, all that other stuff, we just can’t have you around.”
At this time, the Arizona football program has announced three positive COVID-19 results for players on the team. The Rutgers program shuttered for two weeks after six positive tests. So it’s easy to see why Sumlin and Co. were nervous about a player not following the protocols.
Edgar Burrola also had Arizona scholarship reduced
As part of the discipline implemented for this alleged failure to follow COVID-19 protocols, Burrola had his scholarship reduced.
Arizona Football insider Steve Burt first shared this on Monday, noting the details about what was going on with Burrola was “murky.”
Then on Tuesday, Burrola confirmed he stopped receiving money for meals on the day he was suspended, noting he still is unsure whether his stipend is being taken away.