Houston Nutt knew nothing about it.

On Sunday, he called to apologize.

The irony is that it happened to Ben Cleveland, the last of the Springdale Five and one of the guys who made their recruiting class one of the most heralded in University of Arkansas history.

Everyone knows the story now. Gus Malzahn took a job at Tulsa when he learned he was to be co-offensive coordinator this season.

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Mitch Mustain transferred to Southern Cal after a horrible email from a Nutt family friend and what he felt was a lack of support from the staff.

Damian Williams transferred to USC after playing the last few games with a separated shoulder (he’s had surgery on both shoulders now ) and not being happy with his light class load.

Andrew Norman transferred to Tulsa in August, and there’s a story there, too.

That left Cleveland, now the Springdale One.

This story is not directly about Cleveland’s injury. He suffered a severe neck injury in August that led his parents to take him to see at least three doctors. Two specialists told him do not play. Under no circumstances was he to have contact.

The other thought it might be OK, and Cleveland was offered some special protective gear to wear.

After much soul-searching, Cleveland made the right choice. He’s redshirting and has a chance of full recovery.

Another injury to his neck this season most likely would have been permanent.

Yet, he’s ducked no responsibilities.

He went to practice and stood there hour after hour, the Springdale One, until he finally asked a manager if he could use the time for his therapy sessions.

He doesn’t travel to away games, but at home, like others who are injured, he’s on the sideline wearing his game jersey.

Like the others, Cleveland is there to support his teammates and the coaches.

The tall, talented tight end showed a lot of poise as a freshman and was being counted on for this season.

So after the injury, he remained as much as part of the team as he could.

Until Saturday, when he was basically told he wasn’t wanted. Wasn’t part of the team.

Before the game Cleveland — like Robert Johnson, John Rees, Crosby Tuck and others — went to the equipment room to get his jersey to wear on the sideline.

Only, he was told by Tim Cheney, the equipment manager, he wasn’t on the list.

Cleveland quickly explained that he hadn’t been on a list all season but for the first four games had worn his jersey and been there to encourage and pull for his Razorbacks teammates.

Cleveland was told he was not supposed to be there, and Cheney then turned and walked off.

Cleveland, who has some natural competitive spirit (his dad, Rick, played college ball before becoming a missionary in the Philippines ), was stung to the depths of his heart and soul. But with all the coaches busy preparing for Florida International, he walked out of the Broyles Athletic Complex.

He listened to the game on the radio in his room, alone.

Let’s make this perfectly clear:

He has not quit the team.

He is not planning on quitting the team.

Cleveland has never regretted the late change of heart to go to Arkansas, even though if he had gone to Florida he would be wearing a national championship ring now.

Through all the departures and turmoil, Cleveland has held steadfast that he was at the right school.

He wants to be a Razorback.

Through all the rumors about him leaving last winter and into the spring, like today, he has remained loyal to the Razorbacks.

Yet, when he was told he was not supposed to be there and others were, it was like a slap in the face.

Houston Nutt didn’t know about it, and he apologized. He knows the Springdale None would not have boded well.