Hawaii Bowl canceled after Hawaii withdraws due to COVID-19 issues

The Hawaii Bowl has been canceled after Hawaii withdrew due to issues with COVID-19, ESPN Events announced Thursday.

Hawaii pulled out of Friday's bowl matchup against Memphis due to a combination of season-ending injuries, transfers, and COVID-19 issues, the school announced earlier Thursday.

"We are disappointed our season has to end this way," coach Todd Graham said in a statement. "As competitive as we are and as much as we want to play the game, we cannot put the health and safety of our student-athletes at risk."

"The health and safety of our student-athletes is the most important part of this decision," athletics director David Matlin added. "The recent surge in COVID-19 cases has forced us to not participate in the game. We are disappointed for our players, coaches, and fans."

The Rainbow Warriors finished fourth in the Mountain West Conference's West Division with a 6-7 record.

Friday's contest would have marked Hawaii's tenth appearance in the local bowl game.

"We are very disappointed to hear that Hawaii will be unable to participate in the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl on Friday," Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said in a statement. "We hope that Hawaii players and staff get healthy soon."