BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has announced that a total of 16 players from Jackson State University and Alabama State University will face one-game suspensions due to a postgame confrontation that took place following their game on Saturday in Montgomery. In addition to the player suspensions, both institutions have been fined $25,000 each.

The SWAC confirmed on Monday that seven players from Jackson State and nine from Alabama State will be sidelined for their respective next matchup. Alabama State is set to host Prairie View A&M on Saturday, while Jackson State will travel to face Alcorn State.

Dr. Jason Cable, the vice president and athletic director at Alabama State, revealed that three players would be suspended for the season finale against Tuskegee on Thanksgiving Day. The identities of the suspended players have not been disclosed.

The conflict involved some players exchanging shoves and punches after the conclusion of the game. SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland expressed disappointment regarding the incident, emphasizing that “Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct have zero place in the sports of intercollegiate athletics and within the Southwestern Athletic Conference.” He noted that this issue has affected the league during consecutive weeks of competition.

Dr. McClelland stated that the conference will continue to collaborate with its member institutions to establish protective measures aimed at preventing such incidents in the future. He further affirmed the league’s commitment to a zero-tolerance stance concerning unsportsmanlike behavior that contradicts the high standards of sportsmanship expected from all participants involved in their programs.