Referee Salutes Veterans During Celebration Bowl

During the Celebration Bowl, referee Rory Bernard made headlines by saluting military veterans before announcing a penalty for unnecessary roughness on a punt return by Jackson State's Travis Terrell Jr., which nullified an 81-yard touchdown. The game featured Jackson State, with an 11-2 record, facing South Carolina State, which held a 9-2 record. This matchup serves as a de facto HBCU national championship, marking Jackson State's third consecutive appearance in the bowl since 2021. The unexpected salute received applause from the crowd, although it was met with boos from Jackson State fans after the touchdown was called back. The game is part of a long-standing rivalry, with South Carolina State previously defeating Jackson State in the 2021 Celebration Bowl. This year's event coincides with the Army-Navy game, creating a patriotic backdrop for the festivities.