The altercation between the women's basketball teams from Texas Southern and Southern Saturday night has cost TSU the chance to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Dr. Charles McClelland, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at TSU, said the Southwestern Athletic Conference has suspended eight members of the TSU women's basketball team in the wake of that altercation during a key conference game in the HP and E Arena.
"The SWAC has decided, in conjunction with us, that everyone that was participating in the altercation, as far as throwing punches, will be suspended," McClelland said in an interview with FOX26 SPORTS.
"Right now that's eight individuals, and because there are eight that are involved, we have ten members on our team, Texas Southern has decided we are not going to participate in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship.
The SWAC Tournament is this week at Toyota Center.
McClelland said he has no issues with the SWAC's decision.
"We won't be able to field a competitive team, but also the severity of the indicident is of deep concern to us," McClelland said. "We want to make sure that we send the right message and give the proper guidance to those young ladies.