UCLA Backed Out of Their Bowl Game Less Than 5 Hours Before Kickoff Because of “COVID-19 Protocols” Within Their Program

The UCLA football team was apparently testing players right up to kickoff of their Holiday Bowl game against NC State in San Diego.  They pulled out of the game less than five hours before the scheduled kickoff.

The reason they pulled out?  According to the official announcement from UCLA, "due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bruins’ program."

What does that mean?  A lot of positive tests?  Some positive tests and then the quarantining of others?  If I had to venture a guess it would be the latter.

From Larry Brown Sports:

The Bruins were scheduled to play NC State in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, Calif. at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday. They announced four and a half hours before kickoff that they would not be playing.

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. pic.twitter.com/rHXEmGv9gl

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) December 28, 2021

I highly doubt they would have backed out if they were playing for something.  I can almost guarantee they wouldn't be testing players up until game time if they were in the College Football Playoffs.

To pull this the day of the game is a shitty thing to do.  Let the bowl and your opponent find a replacement.