Every SWAC knew that after Coach Eric Dooley went to Southern University, leaving Prairie View A&M, it would spark tensions between the two schools. It most certainly did. In the same week, the SWAC made national headlines for the “dust-up” between Coach Deion Sanders and Coach Eddie Robinson, Jr. in Alabama; players and coaches from Southern University and Prairie View A&M had a significant altercation before their game. Last week, The SWAC offices reviewed the tape and investigated the altercation. The SWAC issued this statement:
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The Southwestern Athletic Conference is currently in the process of conducting a full-scale investigation into the altercation that transpired prior to the Southern at Prairie View A&M football game on Saturday, Oct. 8.
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The Conference Office, along with the two respective member institutions are collectively reviewing video footage of the altercation in order to positively identify all participants. In addition to investigating the altercation, the Conference Office is also currently reviewing the game day security protocols that were in place for the respective contest.
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Due to the lack of ability to identify all participants by using uniform jersey numbers, along with the limited number of high-quality camera angles available for review, this investigation has taken additional time in order to ensure thoroughness in regard to accurately determining all individuals that were active participants.
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Upon the conclusion of the comprehensive review, we will notify each respective member institution with detailed findings along with supporting documentation, in addition to levying the appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with our league’s constitution and bylaws.
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The Southwestern Athletic Conference upholds an extremely high standard of good sportsmanship and does not condone unsportsmanlike behavior. We will continue to work diligently to provide our member institutions with the necessary guidance and resources to support good sportsmanship and healthy competition at all times.
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After a week that saw Southern University overcome a comeback attempt from Alcorn, throw one of the most epic post-game celebrations this season, and take first place in the SWAC West, the SWAC office has concluded its investigation. The SWAC office released the following statement earlier today:
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced multiple student-athlete suspensions and institutional fines stemming from the pregame altercation that transpired between the Southern University and Prairie View A&M University football teams on Saturday, Oct. 8.
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A total of 21 student-athletes (eleven from Southern and ten from Prairie View A&M) have been suspended for one game for their respective involvement in the altercation.
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After conducting a comprehensive investigation, it was determined that the student-athletes involved in the altercation violated the league’s code of ethics/conduct by committing acts of unsportsmanlike conduct.
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Additionally, the Conference Office has levied a fine against southern in the amount $7,500.00, along with a fine against Prairie View A&M in the amount of $10,000.00. The league determined that Prairie View A&M failed to comply with the SWAC’s Gameday Management Decorum which led to additional PVAMU fines.
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The Southwestern Athletic Conference upholds an extremely high standard of good sportsmanship and does not condone unsportsmanlike behavior. We will continue to work diligently to provide our member institutions with the necessary guidance and resources to support good sportsmanship and healthy competition at all times.
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Southern will lose a total of 11 players to suspension. Though devastating, the suspensions come at an opportune time as the Jaguars are preparing to face Virginia-Lynchburg, a team that recently suffered a 36-0 loss to the defending Celebration Bowl Champions, South Carolina State. The Dragons are 0-5 on the season and did not have a rusher or receiver go for more than 20 yards, rushing or receiving, in their last outing. Likewise, Prairie View will be facing the 0-6 Lamar Cardinals, so the ten players they will lose may not serve to harm their chances of continuing their push to the SWAC championship game. The financial fines are significant and should serve to force both programs to take a deeper look at how both coaches and players manage their behavior when emotions are running high. Both teams have great records heading into the season’s final weeks, and the race to the finish should be incredible. Southern has SWAC juggernauts Jackson State and FAMU ahead, while PVAM has a lighter schedule by comparison. It will be an exciting finish.
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