The Hawaii football team announced Thursday that it won’t participate in the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl against Memphis because of a shortage of players.
Shortly thereafter, the cancellation of the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl game was announced.
The University of Hawaii reported that there was a COVID epidemic with more than 20 cases in the program this week. This was in the wake of several players defecting to the transfer portal after the 2021 regular season. They also mentioned season-ending injuries in the battle against attrition.
The nationally televised match was less than 24 hours away from kickoff. It was to be held at the Clarence T.C. Stadium, at 3 p.m. on Friday, on the UH Manoa campus.
Athletic director David Matlin stated that the most important aspect of this decision was to ensure student-athletes’ safety and health. “The recent increase in COVID-19-related cases has forced us not to participate in this game. We are sorry for our coaches, players, and fans. We appreciate the efforts of ESPN and EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl staff throughout the week. We would like to thank the Memphis Tigers team for their long journey to Hawaii. We’re disappointed that we are unable to compete on the football field.”
UH coach Todd Graham stated that “we are disappointed our season must end this way.” “As competitive and passionate as we may be, and as much as our student-athletes want to play the game,” Graham said.
UH ends the year at 6-7
