By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
The tragic gun violence at my alma mater, Tuskegee, followed two other shootings at HBCU homecoming games at Tennessee State and Albany State, and we had been forewarned to take precautions and be careful. I write rhetorically if MAGA proponents will endeavor to end gun violence or lean toward Florida’s sycophant governor and allow permit less gun ownership in every state in America.
HBCU football has endured and is still processing and navigating some turbulent times recently. After experiencing the tragic death and attending the funeral of teammate Ryan Quinney, resulting from an automobile accident, the Delta Devils responded with an emotional upset victory over the FAMU Rattlers at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, ending a 23 game home winning streak. The loss followed a previous defeat to Prairie View, certainly an anomaly in light of their 2023 Celebration Bowl Black College Championship and early success in ‘24. Regrouping and refocusing are fundamental in preparation for the Florida Citrus Bowl Classic in Orlando this Saturday.
Both the MEAC and SWAC have meted out player suspensions due to brawls between North Carolina Central and Howard and Alabama State and Jackson State. In the aftermath of the Howard/NCC incident, a total of 36 players were suspended, 19 from Central and 17 Bisons. A NCC coach was also suspended. Coaches Trei Oliver and Larry Scott both expressed contrition, completely cognizant that this kind of behavior is unacceptable.
The JSU/ASU game, contested in Montgomery, emotionally charged because of division title at play, resulted in 16 players suspensions, 7 Tigers and 9 Hornets, leaving both teams weaker for upcoming games, more than likely rival ones at that. Jackson State’s 16-10 victory earned them the right to play Southern on December 7, for the SWAC Championship.
Brawls have occurred in football forever, but when multiple players from both teams are involved, it becomes a dangerous, unpredictable, and untenable situation. Play hard fellas but leave it on the field. The integrity of the conferences and safety of players is paramount for all HBCUS!
