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Grambling State’s rivalry win 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 after the close game — 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 at Grambling State football game,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland in a statement. “This character has no place in Southwestern Athletic Conference and intercollegiate athletics.
“The conference office has and will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for any actions deemed unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletic programs of our league.”
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats players look on 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 tried to break it up.
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The game was close at halftime as Grambling State held a 24-20 lead. The Tigers picked up the win, 31-23.
The SWAC said three of the 27 players involved received two-game suspensions. The rest are blocked in a game.
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 hit with a $40,000 fine and Bethune-Cookman was fined $25,000.
