SU-JSU brawl leads to dual DQs, SWAC investigation

The Southwestern Athletic Conference, along with Southern and Jackson State, are looking into a fight involving members of the schools’ men’s track teams during the SWAC Indoor Track and Field Championships Sunday.
The fight in the stands at LSU’s Carl Maddox Field House — with footage on YouTube reaching over 200 views and on WAFB-TV’s web site as a featured sports video — resulted in the two teams being disqualified from the meet, and all finishes by both teams deleted from the record. All other finishers from other competing teams moved up in each event.
According to a press release from the SWAC, team points will be recounted for championship purposes. Conference officials said the teams were disqualified because of “unsportsmanlike conduct and behavior.”
Conference Commissioner Duer Sharp said in the release that he was “extremely disappointed” by the incident and championship events are designed to celebrate and reward the achievements of the SWAC’s student-athletes.
“The actions of those involved in the altercation have not exemplified that competitive spirit of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and its member institutions,” Sharp said. “This behavior is unacceptable and we will investigate completely before taking further disciplinary action.”
Southern issued a press release Monday. Sports Information Director Kevin Manns said in the release that the incident was “very unfortunate and embarrassing to the university,” and the university does not condone or tolerate the behavior displayed during the fight.
“The entire incident is being investigated by both Southern and Jackson State, as well as the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” Manns said.
“We will withhold any comments until the full investigation is complete.”
Meanwhile, Southern’s women finished fourth with 78 points as Alabama State won the overall women’s title.
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