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Arkansas State threatens to sue Miami over canceled football game

Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports / USA Today

Arkansas State is threatening to sue Miami over a football game that was canceled due to Hurricane Irma during the 2017 season, according to a letter obtained by KAIT-TV.

The Red Wolves were supposed to host the Hurricanes on Sept. 9 during their home opener, but the game was canceled due to the oncoming hurricane.

Per the letter, Arkansas State will take legal action if Miami doesn't pay a "liquidated damages payment" of $650,000 by Feb. 15 based on a contract signed between the universities in 2013.

"It is very unfortunate that we have been unable to resolve this matter, and we remain hopeful this can be worked out without the need for litigation," ASU system general counsel Brad Phelps said in a statement. "Ultimately that will be up to the University of Miami."

Miami's general counsel, James Rowlee, said they can't reschedule the game during the 2020 or 2021 seasons, as their open dates must be home games. The school offered to visit in 2024 or 2025.

Phelps countered, claiming that waiting a decade or more to fulfill a home-and-home series was ridiculous, and Miami could visit Arkansas State in 2020 or 2021.

It appears the matter may need to be settled inside a courtroom.

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