Arkansas TE Jeremy Sprinkle Suspended for Belk Bowl vs Virginia Tech

Two hours before kickoff, Bret Bielema announced in a press release that senior tight end Jeremy Sprinkle has been suspended for the Belk Bowl.

Sprinkle has been a staple in Arkansas’ offense the last couple of years, and while he wasn’t quite as involved this season as many expected, he has been a consistent player and weapon for Austin Allen.

According to Bielema’s statement in the press release:

“Jeremy’s suspension has been known by our staff and players for several days so we’ve had a chance to prepare our game plan accordingly. Throughout his career and this season as a graduate student-athlete, Jeremy has displayed numerous times the qualities we want to represent our program. We have standards within our family that must be upheld on a daily basis and unfortunately he failed to do that in the last week. Jeremy’s suspension isn’t drug, alcohol or violence related but one that will cause him to miss his final game as a Razorback.”

Fans will get something of a glimpse of the future for Arkansas at tight end in the Belk Bowl. Austin Cantrell, Cheyenne O’Grady, and Grayson Gunter have all played at tight end this season, especially Cantrell. However, Arkansas’ passing game is already hurt by the injury to Jared Cornelius. Cornelius is expected to play a limited role, such as special teams.

Sprinkle caught 33 passes this year for 380 yards and four touchdowns. He’ll end his career with 71 receptions, 921 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Slick of Bielema to know about this for several days but hold off on saying anything until two hours before kickoff so Virginia Tech can’t prepare for it.

UPDATE:

It’s being reported that Sprinkle was suspended for allegations of shoplifting during the team’s recent shopping spree at a Charlotte-area Belk store. Each player was given a $450 gift card and allegedly Sprinkle tried to take more than that out of the store.

That’s a new one.