Prairie View A&M football coach Tremaine Jackson is pushing back against criticism directed at one of his players following Saturday’s 31-10 loss to Stephen F. Austin.
SFA coach Colby Carthel called a play that injured Lumberjacks captain Gerard Edimo one of the dirtiest plays he has seen in 27 years of college football.
Jackson, however, says his program will stand behind Eric Zachery, who Carthel identified as the Prairie View player involved in the incident.
“It’s unfortunate that an injury took place and our prayers are with Gerard Edimo and his family,” Jackson said. “We pray for a speedy recovery and a successful return.”
Carthel delivered strong criticism during his Monday news conference, saying Edimo suffered what he described as a severe leg injury during the play.
“I’ve coached 27 years of college football. That was the second dirtiest, most unsportsmanlike play I’ve seen in my career,” Carthel said. “Absolutely no business in this game for a play like that. Disgusting. It’s pathetic.”
According to Carthel, Edimo, a redshirt sophomore tight end and one of SFA’s captains, made a routine play before suffering the injury. Carthel said he believes the injury could potentially end Edimo’s playing career, despite the player having two years of eligibility remaining.
Carthel also alleged that the Prairie View player involved mocked Edimo after the injury as he was being helped from the field.
The incident occurred near SFA’s sideline, according to Carthel, who said no penalty was called on the play.
This is the play where SFA’s Gerard Edimo suffered an injury that may have potentially ended his football career https://t.co/zpvOT03Jpv pic.twitter.com/z149X0Og4Q
— Texas Football Life (@txfblife) September 22, 2026
Jackson addressed those accusations directly.
“Eric Zachery is not only a good player, he is a good person, great student and one of the best people in our program!!” Jackson wrote. “We will not allow anyone to attack him or his character because of a play in a game.”
Jackson also said he had not been contacted by anyone regarding the play after the game.
“I haven’t received a call from anyone pertaining to this play, nor did anyone say anything to me after the game,” he said. “Don’t get on the internet and attack any of my kids!!”
The Prairie View coach emphasized that his players know how to contact him if an issue arises.
“Everyone has my number, and knows how to reach me if there’s a problem,” Jackson said.
The incident has drawn attention online after video of the play and its aftermath circulated on social media.
Carthel credited his players for keeping the situation from escalating despite the injury and the alleged taunting occurring close to the SFA sideline.
“Kudos to our team for holding things together, that it wasn’t an all-out brawl and that we were able to finish the game without incident,” Carthel said.
SFA, now 4-0, has said it is following the conference and NCAA protocols regarding the play.
For Jackson and Prairie View, the focus is on defending Zachery while also expressing support for Edimo.
“I hate it for Gerard. I hate it for our team. I hate it for our sport,” Carthel said.
