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Grambling State’s rivalry game victory over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday was marred by a massive brawl that broke out at halftime.
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) announced Monday that more than two dozen players were suspended following the melee: nine players from Bethune-Cookman and 18 from Grambling State.
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Grambling State Tigers players in the Las Vegas HBCU Classic against the Jackson State Tigers at Allegiant Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
“We are extremely disappointed by the events that occurred during halftime of the Bethune-Cookman football game at Grambling State,” SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland said in a statement. “Acts of that nature have no 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 unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high level of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletics programs within our league.”
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats players watch during the college football game between the Miami Hurricanes and Bethune-Cookman on September 6, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ESPN’s Kalan Hooks posted footage of the incident on X. The video showed several players throwing punches as coaches and officials attempted to stop him.
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The game was close at halftime as Grambling State held a 24-20 lead. The Tigers took the victory, 31-23.
The SWAC said three of the 27 players involved received two-game suspensions. The rest will be excluded from a match.
Detailed view of a penalty flag during a football game on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Grambling State was fined $40,000 and Bethune-Cookman was fined $25,000.
