SWAC Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced suspensions and institutional fines stemming from a halftime altercation that transpired between the Bethune-Cookman University and Grambling State University football teams on Saturday, Nov. 8.
“We’re extremely disappointed by the events that transpired during halftime of the Bethune-Cookman at Grambling State football game,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. “Acts of that nature have zero place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and intercollegiate athletics.”
“The Conference Office has and will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all acts deemed to be unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletics programs within our league.”
After conducting a comprehensive investigation, it was determined that both schools violated the league’s code of ethics/conduct by committing acts of unsportsmanlike conduct.
27 student-athletes (9 from Bethune-Cookman and 18 from Grambling State) have been suspended for their respective involvement in the altercation. Of the total number of 27 suspensions, 3 of those student-athletes have been disciplined with two game suspensions due to the severity of their actions.
Additionally, in accordance with league bylaws and sports regulations, the Conference Office has levied a fine against Bethune-Cookman in the amount $25,000.00, along with a fine against Grambling State in the amount of $40,000.00.