Arizona offensive lineman Edgar Burrola, who last week was suspended for violating team coronavirus safety protocol, acknowledged to ESPN that he violated policy on multiple occasions, but said he was distrustful of the Arizona medical staff based on skepticism of the protocol the school follows as well as its handling of a 2019 injury.
Burrola, a redshirt junior from Las Vegas who started six games last season, is believed to be the first college football player to be disciplined for not adhering to COVID-19 safety measures since players returned to campuses for voluntary workouts.
He confirmed to ESPN that he broke protocol — including showing up to the team facility without a mask and breaking a mandatory quarantine — but also said that he was considering sitting out the season because of his concerns.
“I don’t feel comfortable with the school policies, and I let my [position] coach know that,” Burrola told ESPN.
Head coach Kevin Sumlin said they have stressed that if players are concerned about safety, they can choose not to participate.