SWAC suspends 27 players after Grambling State vs. Bethune-Cookman football fight

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The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced the suspensions of 27 football players Monday, Nov. 10, following the halftime fight between Grambling State and Bethune-Cookman Saturday.

B-CU had fewer players suspended than Grambling State. Nine Wildcats received one-week punishments while 18 Tigers will be forced to sit out. Of the 27 student-athletes disciplined, three will serve two-game suspensions due to the severity of their actions.

The conference also fined Bethune-Cookman $25,000 and Grambling State $40,000.

“We’re extremely disappointed by the events that transpired during halftime of the Bethune-Cookman at Grambling State football game,” SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland said. “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.” 

The incident occurred as the two programs returned from the locker rooms to the field for the third quarter at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. 

They jawed at each other near midfield before it escalated into punches and players being thrown into benches on the Grambling State sideline. Officials and coaches worked to separate the teams.

Nine players were ejected and missed the second half. 

The Tigers won 31-23.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Bethune-Cookman, Grambling State football suspensions imposed by SWAC

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