Missouri and Missouri State's softball teams likely won't be playing each other anytime soon.
Following an open records request made by the University of Missouri, a series of heated emails between Missouri coach Ehren Earleywine and longtime Missouri State coach Holly Hesse have been revealed.
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It all started on April 23 when Missouri handed Missouri State a 6-0 shut out loss. The next day, director of operations Lisa Simmons reached out to Hesse about scheduling a game in 2016. Two weeks later, Hesse dismissed the possibility of any future games between the schools and listed three reasons as to why, including an allegation of recruiting violations. She added that a lack of mutual respect made it impossible for the series to continue. The next week, Earleywine sent a response that included the entire Missouri State staff on his note.
The response included colorful language we cannot reprint, such as calling the opposing coach a word synonymous with equine waste.
Once Missouri fulfilled the records request, media relations official Chad Moller released a statement on Earleywine's behalf.
"I am sincerely sorry for the unprofessional comments I made," Earleywine said in the statement, via ESPNW. "I understand that is not the right way to represent the University of Missouri, and serving as a role model and a positive example for our students is very important. I apologize to Coach Hesse, the Missouri State softball program and our fans for the way I reacted and know this was not the proper way to handle the situation."
Missouri State later released a statement on Hesse's behalf.
"I regret that an email exchange in which I was involved has created negative attention for our university and our program," Hesse said in the statement. "As a mentor and leader of young women, I understand how my comments were interpreted as disrespectful, and I am a strong advocate of respecting one's opponents and the sport of softball at all levels. I accept coach Earleywine's apology for his part of the exchange, and I hope that we can move past this incident as professionals and colleagues."
Missouri athletic director Mark Rhoades has since contacted Missouri State athletic director Kyle Moats. Neither administration claimed to be aware of the email exchange until the open records request.