COLLEGE STATION (Talk1370.com) -- Texas A&M will not participate in the upcoming Dec. 31 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, the school announced Wednesday afternoon.
A&M officials said the change is due to a combination of COVID-19 issues inside the program as well as season-ending injuries.
“It is unfortunate, but we just don’t have enough scholarship players available to field a team,” head football coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement.
According to media reports, the team switched to virtual meetings Saturday. The Aggies (8-4, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) had been scheduled to leave for Jacksonville on Sunday, officials said.
“It is heartbreaking for our players, coaches, staff and fans that we are not able to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl,” Texas A&M Director of Athletics Ross Bjork said. “Post-season football is the pinnacle of the season and when the opportunity is lost, it hurts on many levels."
Bjork added that the school is taking the COVID-19 issues seriously. "As we have learned in the last 21 months of this health challenge, the well-being and safety of our student-athletes is paramount," said Bjork. "Our players poured their heart and soul into this season and we appreciate their dedication as Aggies."
Gator Bowl officials say they're "aggressively" searching for a replacement team, hoping to name one in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“We are disappointed that Texas A&M University and the Aggie fans will be unable to represent the Southeastern Conference in Jacksonville at this year’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game. However, the health and safety of the student-athletes, coaches and staff remains our primary concern,” said TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Chairman John Duce.
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