Legislation to Mandate UA vs ASU Football Game 'Unlikely' to Advance

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Nearly 15,000 people have weighed in whether lawmakers should require the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State to play each other in football, but it appears to be an exercise in futility.

This is a lesson in how things work at the capitol.

Simply put, if the House Speaker doesn't like it, he can make it tough for a piece of legislation.

House Speaker Davy Carter made it clear he doesn't support the legislature mandating collegiate athletic matchups, despite the apparent interest.

More than 14,000 people have voted at ArkansasASUBenefit.com in 48 hours, the website set up by bill sponsor Andy Mayberry to gauge public interest in the game.

For the record, it's a close split, with those in favor slightly ahead.

But after the House Speaker moved the bill from Education to the Rules committee, one he has a lot of influence over, it's not going to matter.

"I just think that's the appropriate committee for the bill to be in, and I said yesterday, I'm not in favor of mandating legislation for a ballgame," Carter said.

"This is the legislative process and things like that happen," Mayberry said.

When asked about the likelihood of the committee advancing the bill, Carter replied, "I would say it's pretty unlikely."

So the voting on the website is available until Saturday, but it appears legislators aren't going to force the Red Wolves and Razorbacks to flip a coin at midfield.