SWAC Suspends 16 Players After JSU-ASU Brawl

Following a postgame brawl between Jackson State and Alabama State football teams, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has issued suspensions and fines. A total of 16 players, seven from Jackson State and nine from Alabama State, have been suspended for their next game. Additionally, both schools have been fined $25,000 each for violating the league's code of ethics with unsportsmanlike conduct. The SWAC emphasized its zero-tolerance policy regarding such behavior and the importance of maintaining sportsmanship in collegiate athletics. This incident marks the second consecutive week of unsportsmanlike occurrences impacting SWAC football, prompting the conference to reaffirm its commitment to preventing future incidents. SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland highlighted the need for policies to deter such behavior and uphold the integrity of HBCU sports.