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SWAC Suspends 27 Players, Fines Grambling and Bethune-Cookman $65,000 After Halftime Brawl

The conference emphasized a zero-tolerance standard after reviewing viral footage of punches thrown near the tunnel.

Overview

  • Eighteen Grambling State players and nine from Bethune-Cookman were suspended, with three receiving two-game bans and the rest one game, and the longer-ban identities were not disclosed.
  • Fines were set at $40,000 for Grambling State and $25,000 for Bethune-Cookman under SWAC bylaws.
  • Video shared on X shows players throwing punches as coaches and officials tried to intervene when both teams emerged for the second half near the tunnel.
  • Grambling coach Mickey Joseph’s postgame remark about meeting disrespect with disrespect drew criticism before he issued a prepared apology clarifying he does not condone violence, and athletics director Trayvean Scott accepted responsibility.
  • Bethune-Cookman coach Raymond Woodie said his staff attempted to de-escalate the confrontation and that one of his assistants was swung at.