Arkansas assistant Chris Wilson struck player in locker room; school claims 'joking around'

Arkansas interim defensive coordinator Chris Wilson allegedly struck a player in the face during a locker room incident in mid-October, according to multiple sources. The incident left the player with a bloodied lip. An investigation by Arkansas followed an anonymous tip, and the athletic department deemed the matter closed after concluding that both parties involved considered it a joke. Despite this, sources indicated that Wilson was visibly upset when leaving the locker room. Wilson, who joined Arkansas as an assistant defensive line coach over the summer, was promoted to interim defensive coordinator after the firing of Travis Williams. Arkansas, with a 2-9 record and last place in the SEC, concludes its season against Missouri. The team is also undergoing a widespread coaching search that includes considering interim coach Bobby Petrino.