In hindsight, Ty Washington's departure from the Arkansas Razorbacks could be seen as a tipping point in the 2024 football season. The Razorbacks were coming off two of their most impressive wins over a three-week stretch when head coach Sam Pittman dismissed Washington and fellow tight end Var'Keys Gumms from the team.
After watching Luke Hasz and Andreas Paaske each catch a pair of touchdowns as tight ends during a 58-25 dog walking of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Washington refused to enter the game for mop up duties. Gumms, who said he had been in a car accident in the weeks leading up to the game, similarly declined to play that day, prompting Pittman to dismiss both from the team following the game.