Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Monte Harrison has been indefinitely suspended following an incident during their Week 12 matchup. According to reports, the situation, described as an “ugly incident,” involved Harrison allegedly becoming confrontational on the sidelines during a pivotal moment in the game. Details suggest the altercation may have included disputes with a teammate and a member of the coaching staff, causing significant disruption. Head coach Sam Pittman issued the suspension immediately, emphasizing accountability and adherence to the program’s standards of conduct.
The timing of the suspension comes as a blow to the Razorbacks, who are fighting to salvage a difficult season. Harrison, a crucial playmaker, has been instrumental in Arkansas’s offensive strategy, particularly as a dependable receiver for quarterback KJ Jefferson. Losing him as the team gears up for their next SEC matchup against Auburn presents both a strategic and emotional challenge.
Coach Pittman addressed the media, highlighting that while the decision was tough, it was necessary to preserve the team’s values. “We have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of this program, no matter how talented a player might be,” he stated. He further expressed hope that Harrison will take the time to reflect and work towards earning back his place on the team.
The suspension sheds light on the broader struggles Arkansas has faced this season, with inconsistency on the field and now internal discord adding to their challenges. As the team navigates this setback, they will need other players to step up, particularly in the receiving corps, to fill the gap left by Harrison’s absence.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical balance between talent and discipline in collegiate athletics. For Harrison, it represents an opportunity for growth, while for Arkansas, it’s a test of resilience as they aim to finish the season with strength.
After playing nine seasons of professional baseball, including three seasons in MLB, Monte Harrison is doing something rarely seen by a former baseball player: play college football.
The 28-year-old will trade his baseball cleats for football ones as he plans to walk-on to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team, an Arkansas football spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
Even in a world where college athletes are getting six years of eligibility thanks to COVID-19, Harrison will be one of the oldest college football players when he joins the program. He’s not a stranger to football; he was a four-star recruit in the 2014 class that included Myles Garrett, Leonard Fournette, Deebo Samuel and Deshaun Watson. He committed to play for Bo Pelini at Nebraska as a receiver, but that year, he was drafted in the second round of the MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Harrison opted to pursue a baseball career without every using any college eligibility.
