It seems like something always goes down between Alabama State and Jackson State whenever the two college football rivals meet at the Gump. Saturday was not the exception.
A massive brawl broke out during the handshake line following a six-point victory by the Tigers. Both benches cleared and multiple players on both sides will be suspended for throwing heavy punches during the chaos.
Jackson State has already decided not to comment on the matter as it goes to the SWAC for review. The Hornets released the following statement:
This is the second week in a row that Alabama State was involved with a fight. They also got into it with Grambling after a one-point loss.
Just like last time, no singular behavior trigged the most recent skirmish. A few different groups of players started talking crazy, which escalated to pushing and shoving. There were not enough staffers nearby to break things up so it only got worse from there.
Tigers running back Irv Mulligan finished the night with a team-high 22 carries for 57 yards. He eventually planted a JSU flag in the end zone. You can see him appear at the middle of this video:
I knew it was gone happen… Final score JSU 16 – ASU 10… SWAC EAST CHAMPIONS Reside at 1400 J.R. Lynch St. #JSU #GUARDTHEEYARD #THEEILOVE pic.twitter.com/CQB8pJjd7l
— L D S (@Laamon06) November 16, 2024
Here is another look:
Tensions were high after the Jackson State vs Alabama State game. Our photographer was there at the end of the game when multiple fights broke out. pic.twitter.com/xiEBGIWDOq
— Rosie Langello (@RosieLangello) November 17, 2024
Teams were eventually separated but not before tensions boiled over into an ugly scene.
JSU vs ASU postgame fight pic.twitter.com/JjIcQAziVA
— LON3 (Bobby Portis stan page) (@LEFTLON3) November 17, 2024
Fights happen. Jackson State and Alabama State often have at it. The conference will take a look at what happened and punish the necessary players accordingly. It is truly fortunate that nobody was hurt.
Once the teams were back in their respective locker rooms, the Sonic Boom of the South celebrated their team’s ninth victory of the college football season with a rendition of ‘Sticky’ by GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne. The Tigers won the game and the fifth quarter.
Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South played a rendition of Tyler, the Creator’s “Sticky” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne in the fifth quarter against Alabama State:
— Kalan Hooks (@KalanHookstv) November 17, 2024
(h/t: @ShowtimeWeb) pic.twitter.com/CK9G0Zf8PX
The Hornets left it all out on the field in a game that was chippy from the jump. They let their frustrations get the best of them.