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The UCLA football program has withdrawn from tonight’s San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl against North Carolina State just hours before kickoff due to COVID-related issues.
The Bruins announced the news in a brief statement on social media.
“The UCLA football team is unable to participate in tonight’s San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bruins’ program,” the statement read.
According to reports, the Bruins defensive line was severely impacted by COVID issues.
A statement from @MartinJarmond. pic.twitter.com/PRwYMgzmUU
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) December 28, 2021
“We are extremely grateful to the Holiday Bowl, students, fans, sponsors, and the people of San Diego for their support this week,” UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond said in a statement of his own. “We are deeply disappointed for our young men in the football program that worked extremely hard for this opportunity. My heart goes out to them. The health and safety of our students will always be our North Star.”
Immediately after the news, players were reacting to the sudden end of their season.
💙🤍 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/OD1QFdj8eT
— Paul Grattan (@Grattan65) December 28, 2021
This is a terrible way to end such a great year for this team. This is a very special group of guys. Thank you to the Bruin community and everyone else who continually supported us. Forever 💙💛🐻
— DTR (@DoriansTweets) December 28, 2021
The game was scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Petco Park in San Diego.
The first ever football game at Petco Park in San Diego has been canceled. The UCLA team is unable to participate in the Holiday Bowl due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the team, according to @UCLAFootball. pic.twitter.com/E9KvgAjgpD
— Malik Earnest (@MalikEarnest) December 28, 2021
