The Florida Gators Are The Latest Team To Cancel A Game Because Of Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma is the latest natural disaster to set its sights on the continental United States, and its impending landfall has altered the lives of millions living in the state of Florida. That includes those scheduled to play sports in the Sunshine State this weekend.

The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already postponed their season opener against one another until Week 11, and the University of Miami football team cancelled their road game against Arkansas State altogether.

The latest team to cancel a game due to the massive hurricane is the Florida Gators. Reports broke on Thursday that the Gators will not play against Northern Colorado on Saturday.

No makeup date has been announced for the game, which means that unlike the Hurricanes’ game against Arkansas State there could be some wiggle room in the schedule to make it happen at a later date this season.

Gators head coach Jim McElwain gave a statement to the media in which he said that those upset about the cancellations need to “realize what’s really important in life,” noting that evacuating Florida residents and keeping them safe is more important than anything his team could accomplish on the field.

“When you look at the impact this event could have, you have to sit back and realize what’s really important in life,” McElwain said. “In this case, we’re doing everything we can to help facilitate with what may occur. We’ve got a lot of kids whose families are in the state of Florida and down south. Our thoughts are with their families, first responders and any individuals that may be impacted.”

With nearly every major sporting event cancelled in Florida this weekend, the focus will be on keeping residents safe from the storm’s damage. There will be time for sports after Irma has passed.