Special to the Flash
In the wake of Grambling State University’s unprecedented forfeiture of Jackson State University’s Homecoming football game, JSU released a statement on Oct. 22nd of their plans to pursue litigation against GSU.
The statement from Eric Stringfellow, Executive Director of University Communications, read in part:
“Our Homecoming game draws tens of thousands of fans. The university intends to use litigation to be made whole for our direct and indirect financial losses. We have a fiduciary responsibility to Mississippi taxpayers and the JSU community to mitigate our ongoing and substantial losses. Jackson State plans to pursue litigation against Grambling State and others. Grambling’s issues are well documented and long standing. Those issues, however, are not JSU’s issues nor are these JSU’s responsibility.”
Stringfellow also said in the statement that JSU had been assured by Grambling officials that GSU’s team would travel to Jackson, and were not informed until late Friday afternoon that the players would not participate in the game. He also stated that the Southwestern Athletic Conference has yet to contact JSU about the issue.
“We have dealt in good faith with Grambling and the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The actions of both have hurt JSU. The SWAC commissioner did not return calls from our director of athletics the entire week. The Clarion-Ledger reported the SWAC commissioner would be meeting with folks at Grambling and JSU. We haven’t seen him, nor has he called,” stated Stringfellow.
An official statement released by the SWAC stated that Grambling had not been fined for forfeiting its scheduled game Saturday at Jackson State and it (SWAC) is working with Grambling officials to “ensure that the appropriate actions are made” to resolve the continuing standoff between the school’s football players and administration. This is the first time a member school with the conference has forfeited a game during the regular season.
“It’s unfortunate that the game (Grambling State vs. Jackson State) will not be played, but in accordance with the Southwestern Athletic Conference bylaws, the game will be ruled a forfeit charging Grambling State the loss and awarding Jackson State with a win,” said SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp. “For Grambling State’s failure to compete in a conference contest and in addition to forfeiting the game, they (Grambling State) are subject to a monetary penalty.”
Many students agree with the University’s decision to file a lawsuit against GSU.
“I believe Jackson State’s decision to seek compensation for the financial loss between Grambling has validity. Jackson State’s homecoming not only brings in additional money for the school but also represents the culture and tradition of the university,” said Calissa Huell, a senior English major from Jackson, Miss.
Lekia Thurmond, a senior English major from Greenwood, Miss. said, “I feel like the Grambling Football team is a bunch of inconsiderate punks. They made a commitment that they broke and I feel like Jackson State has the right to pursue legal action against them because in the real world, you can’t agree to something and go back on it without their being some kind of consequences.”
Alesha Jackson, a sophomore civil engineering major from Jackson, Miss. stated that it was unfortunate that JSU suffered because of Grambling’s issues.
“I totally understand that they are having issues but it was our Homecoming. I thought they would have been considerate. The turnout was still great and it shows that JSU has a loyal fan base of alumni and students. It’s too bad that tickets will have to be refunded because we would’ve raised a lot of money,” said Jackson.
Long lines of disappointed fans arrived at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center ticket office from Oct. 21-23 for refunds while out-of-town fans were told to mail in tickets to receive refunds. Stringfellow estimates that the University and the city of Jackson could face potential losses in the millions.
In spite of the disappointing game cancellation, Jackson State students, alumni and community supporters showed up at the JSU Memorial Stadium in large numbers in support of the free alternate activities held in place of scheduled match-up between the two universities.
The activities included a “Blue and White” scrimmage, an extended performance from the Sonic Boom of the South marching band and a free concert featuring Lyfe Jennings, Terrell C. Moses and Larry Johnson.
All other Jackson State Homecoming activities continued as scheduled including the Homecoming Parade in downtown Jackson that featured over 150 entries. A crowd of parade-goers lined a new route in downtown Jackson due to construction on Capital Street.
Current students and alumni like Sharon Rosell, a 1993 graduate of JSU with a degree in accounting, stated that the game cancellation was a unique experience but Jackson State did a great job in spite of the circumstances.
“It was disappointed that Grambling’s team did not show up because I am a football enthusiast, but as far as enjoying Homecoming, that was not affected,” said Rosell. “It was great seeing old friends and celebrating with my line sisters of Delta Pi Spring 93 especially.”
Dontrell Banks, a senior accounting major from Summitt, Miss. said, “Originally I was upset because I thought my senior Homecoming was going to be ruined because there wouldn’t be a game. After experiencing the Blue and White scrimmage game, it showed me that fans and alumni love JSU and truly support the university. The atmosphere on Saturday was great. This weekend turned out perfect.”
Mark Braboy, Presiana Dawson, and Kachelle Pratcher contributed to this story.
Be First to Comment