A group of Jonesboro businesses will make it possible for over a thousand fans at the next Arkansas State University Football game to show support to the players. The move comes after the Red Wolves were ordered to alter or remove a cross-shaped decal from their helmets. The decals were applied by the players who wanted to honor former player Markel Owens and former equipment manager Barry Weyer, Jr. Owens was killed earlier this year during a home invasion at his parents’ home in Jackson, Tennessee. Weyer was killed in a traffic accident in Paragould in June.
Thursday morning, the Jonesboro Radio Group announced it would make available over 1,000 t-shirts printed with the image of the same cross-shaped decal used by the players. The image contains the initials of Owens (MO) and Weyer (BW) identical to the decals that were applied to the helmets.
“After the news went public Wednesday, we felt like something needed to be done to let these players know that their decision to mourn and honor the deaths of their friends with that decal was not a bad choice as was implied by the complaints lodged against the University,” said Trey Stafford, Jonesboro Radio Group President/General Manager. “This community, as a whole, will not fail to support these men.”
Stafford said six businesses announced immediately that they would provide the funds to purchase the shirts, which will be given away free of charge. “I can’t say enough about these businesses that stepped-up to fund this project,” Stafford said. “I know there are other businesses that would do the same. These just happened to be the six that stepped-up first.”
The shirts are being printed over the weekend. They will be delivered to the supporting businesses on Wednesday and will be available for pick-up starting Thursday on a first-come, first-serve basis. “We want these shirts to be worn at the game next Saturday, September 20 against Utah State,” Stafford said. “I know everyone wants one of these t-shirts, but we ask that you only get a shirt if you plan on being in the stands next Saturday for the players to see you proudly wearing this shirt.” Stafford said there may be a requirement that you show a ticket for each t-shirt you pick-up.
“I want to thank each one of these businesses for making this effort possible,” said Stafford. The black t-shirts, printed in white, will be available starting Thursday, September 18 at these locations:
Barton Powersports, 105 W. Parker Rd, Jonesboro
Bill’s Fresh Market, 725 E. Johnson, Jonesboro
Bill’s Fresh Market, 3605 E. Johnson, Jonesboro
Bill’s Fresh Market, 4225 Stadium Blvd, Jonesboro
Eric Burch Real Estate, 2221 S. Caraway Rd, Jonesboro
Fat City Steak & Grillhouse, Highway 49N & Airport Rd, Jonesboro
Premier Auto, 2200 Red Wolf Blvd, Jonesboro
The logos for the shirts will contain the initials for Markel Owens and Barry Weyer. Weyer’s mother, Mechelle, has been critical of the University’s decision to alter or remove the decals, but said she supports Coach Blake Anderson and the football team. She commented on a Jonesboro Radio Group Facebook page Thursday that she supported the free t-shirt blitz. “We appreciate it so much. Thank you for spreading the word,” she wrote.
