Opinion: Preserving the Legacy: Addressing Brawls and Bias in HBCU Football

Jackson State vs. Alabama State scuffle (Courtesy/ clarionledger.com)

Over the last several weeks, several fights broke out between Historically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCUs). 

Just a few weeks ago, HBCUs found themselves in the spotlight when Howard University and North Carolina Central University(NCCU) engaged in a fight after their game. Jackson State and Alabama State followed suit not long after. 

In response to the incident, Howard University’s Athletic Director, Kerry Davis, issued a statement addressing the brawl and the university’s commitment to upholding the values of sportsmanship and integrity. 

“What began as a competitive rivalry escalated into an unfortunate incident, heightened by a charged environment and unforeseen circumstances that delayed our team’s timely return to the locker room to prepare for departure,” Davis said. 

North Carolina Central players celebrating after a successful play. (Courtesy/ hbcugameday.com)

It is no secret that rivalries in the HBCU scene are known to bring additional intensity, igniting passion on the field, in the stands and among alumni. However, nothing should ever lead to the kind of conflict witnessed two weeks ago. 

Players are responsible for controlling their emotions and their actions [tk] in the face of adversity…. It is even more important that coaches teach their team to fight hard on the field and respect their opponents on and off the field. 

When you lose you have to lose with dignity and class and winners should display the same.

“The MEAC holds its student-athletes, coaches and staff to the highest standards of sportsmanship and professionalism,” MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills said. 

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) conferences handed down severe punishments as one coach from NCCU and 36 players were suspended from both Howard and NCCU.

But, will this be enough to deter future conflicts of this nature? What will it take to ensure that teams can give their all on the field and be able to walk away with their heads held high without emotions getting in the way?

The image of HBCU football took a hit in the aftermath of these two incidents. While last weekend’s events do not reflect the morality of HBCUs, they do show that these incidents are not unique to HBCUs.