An NCAA Division II football game between Central State University and Fort Valley State University erupted into a large-scale brawl following the final whistle on Saturday.
The incident occurred after Central State secured an 18-14 victory, spoiling Fort Valley State’s homecoming. Video circulating on social media showed players from both teams throwing punches and piling on top of one another. As staff tried to separate the players, another skirmish broke out near the bleachers, prompting the public address announcer to plead, “Coaches, get your players off the field.”
On Monday, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced significant disciplinary action. A total of 20 players—11 from Central State and nine from Fort Valley State—were suspended. Both of the team’s head coaches also received suspensions.
“Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in intercollegiate athletics or within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference,” SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman said in a statement. “I am extremely disappointed that this event has overshadowed what was otherwise a very competitive football game.”
The conference confirmed that both universities were fined an undisclosed amount for violating its code of ethics policies.
In a separate statement, Fort Valley State University addressed the incident, saying, “We do not condone behavior that falls short of these standards, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that our student-athletes understand the importance of representing the University with Wildcat pride and professionalism on and off the field.”
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