The SWAC has handed down suspensions and fines in response to a halftime altercation between the Bethune-Cookman and Grambling State football teams on Saturday.
“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.”
Following an internal investigation, the league determined that both programs violated the SWAC code of ethics and conduct by engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior. In total, 27 student-athletes were suspended—nine from Bethune-Cookman and 18 from Grambling State—with three receiving two-game suspensions because of the severity of their actions.
Under SWAC bylaws, Bethune-Cookman was fined $25,000, and Grambling State was fined $40,000 for their roles in the incident.
