All players on the teams participating in the Belk Bowl are given 90 minutes to spend the gift card at the Charlotte department store, but Sprinkle apparently got a bit carried away. He allegedly concealed eight items in a shopping bag with a combined retail value of $259.99, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police report.
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“To my family, friends, teammates, coaching staff, colleagues, the University of Arkansas, Razorback nation, the Belk Bowl, and, most of all, young children that look up to me, I am truly sorry for this unfortunate and compelled avoidable occurrence,” Sprinkle said in a post on Twitter.
“I have embraced myself, my team, and my parents, who raised me to be an upstanding man of high moral character. In looking back at the events, I realize I have the sole power and control to avoid negative situations such as these.
“As with any setback, I will use it as an opportunity to learn from my mistake and be a better person moving forward. With this being my last collegiate football game, this was a difficult lesson, but I understand and accept personal responsibility for my shortcomings.
“Over the next few weeks and months, I will reflect on not only my poor decision, but also my accomplishments during my career. I will learn from this and be a better man because of it.”
MORE: Arkansas player spits in Virginia Tech player’s face
Sprinkle’s suspension wasn’t the only embarrassing moment of the day for the Razorbacks. During Arkansas’ second-half meltdown against Virginia Tech in which they blew a 24-0 halftime lead, senior wide receiver Drew Morgan was ejected after being flagged for “flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct.” His crime? Spitting in the face of a Virginia Tech player.
Hopefully Morgan can step up with an apology like Sprinkle did.
