In a shocking turn of events, the Gulf South Conference has suspended six Chowan University football players following an ugly brawl that marred their recent home game against Delta State. The incident unfolded near the end of the game, which ended in a resounding 42-18 defeat for Chowan.
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The repercussions of this unsportsmanlike behavior are severe. One of the players involved will serve a suspension for the remainder of the season and will be barred from both the travel squad and the stadium. Another non-team individual will also be prohibited from attending games at the stadium for the remainder of the season.
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Chowan University officials have initiated an ongoing investigation into the incident, stating that additional disciplinary actions may be taken as more details emerge. The school has also pledged to review its football game management and security procedures, with the intention of implementing new policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. These findings and policies will be shared with the Gulf South Conference.
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Although the names of the suspended players were not disclosed by either Chowan or the Gulf South Conference, it is abundantly clear that the repercussions are substantial and based off the actions which you can see in the video listed above.
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The game in question was halted with just 4:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, leaving fans and players stunned by the shocking scenes that had unfolded on the field.
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Chowan University, a Division II football program, issued a public apology via a news release. Patrick Mashuda, the Director of Athletics at Chowan, expressed his profound regret over the conduct of some of the football student-athletes, calling it “completely unacceptable” and not representative of the university’s values.
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Mashuda extended a formal apology to Delta State University football players, their coaching staff, fans, and parents. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful game atmosphere for all involved parties.
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“We are committed to upholding the penalties that the Gulf South Conference has enacted as well as reviewing ways to ensure that this type of incident does not happen in the future,” said Mashuda.
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The athletic director extended his gratitude to Gulf South Conference Commissioner Matt Wilson and Chowan football coach Paul Johnson for their assistance during the investigation.
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Coach Johnson echoed Mashuda’s sentiments, emphasizing that the behavior exhibited by some of the team’s players was “completely unacceptable and inexcusable.”
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Chowan University currently holds football-only affiliate membership in the Gulf South Conference and is set to become a full-time member of the Conference Carolinas in 2025. While the school looks forward to future endeavors in college football, the unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for sportsmanship, discipline, and respect on and off the field.
