Special to the Flash
What did Jackson State University students, alumni and community supporters do in the wake of Grambling State University’s football team not showing up for the scheduled Homecoming game at JSU? They showed up at the stadium in large numbers and continued the festivities in support JSU.
The contest between Grambling (0-8) and Jackson State (6-2) was declared a forfeit on Friday after Grambling players refused to travel due to issues with the athletic program and administration.
An official statement released by the Southwestern Athletic Conference 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.”
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers said in a statement released by the University, “This is an unfortunate situation for JSU fans, but it is beyond our control. I want to encourage the JSU community, including students, alumni and supporters, to participate in the other activities scheduled as part of our Homecoming celebration.”
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.
In an effort to appease those who traveled many miles, instead of a Tigers vs. Tigers matchup, the JSU Tigers played a “Blue and White” scrimmage instead at the Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. After the game, fans were treated to 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 of the events were free and open to the public.
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.
“I 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.”
Other students were very upset with Grambling’s decision to forfeit the game.
“I hated it! The last minute arrangements were extremely disappointing,” said Aniqua Harris, a sophomore biology/pre-pharmacy major from Byhalia, Miss.
Christina West, a sophomore biology/pre-med major from Buckatunna, Miss. said,
“I think it was disappointing. If it were any other game, it wouldn’t have mattered as much. Since it was Homecoming and a well-known tradition, I felt that it was inappropriate. Families, alumni, and friends look forward to our homecoming. I felt Grambling could have just dealt with their problems and just played the game out of respect.”
Prisilla Smiley, a junior English major from Crystal Springs, Miss. said, “I think it was kind of messed up that Grambling cancelled with us. Everybody came from different states just to see the game and they made special arrangements.”
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.
Other students understand the reasons for Grambling’s football team protest and felt Homecoming weekend was still a success.
“I feel sorry for the Homecoming Court and the people who put time and energy into Homecoming. I feel sorry that they couldn’t have that experience. But, I also can relate to the Grambling State football team not being satisfied with their treatment and wanting to take action, so I empathize with both sides,” said Deabra Gray, a sophomore mass communications major from Jackson, Miss.
“There were both pros and cons in reaction to the game being canceled. It was bad for the fans that traveled from out of town didn’t get exactly what they were expecting. However, family and friends were able to enjoy other things such as tailgating,” Derrick Walton, a senior mass communications major from Yazoo City, Miss.
According to a statement released by JSU University Communications, everyone who purchased a homecoming football game ticket will have the opportunity to receive a refund. Refunds will be available at the JSU Athletic Ticket Office at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly on the JSU campus today from noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. A valid 2013 Homecoming football game ticket must be presented during those hours.
For those from out-of-town, valid 2013 homecoming football game tickets can be mailed to (Jackson State University Division of Athletics Business Office, Lee E. Williams AAC, 1400 JR Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217). Out-of-town homecoming visitors are asked to include a return mailing address as well as a daytime contact phone number.
For more information about the refund process call the JSU Athletics Business/Ticket Office at 601-979-2420 or visit jsutigers.com.
Mark Braboy and Presiana Dawson and Kachelle Pratcher contributed to this story.
