DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced Monday night that 36 student athletes and an assistant coach are now suspended following a postgame brawl at the North Carolina Central University football game on Friday night.
Punches were thrown between players and Durham police officers tried to break up the fight that broke out just seconds after an NCCU victory.
“Foolishness, that’s what it was, and that’s not who we are,” NCCU Head Coach Trei Oliver said during a press conference on Monday. “You got two great academic institutions, we’re not no thugs.”
The MEAC said it’s now suspending 17 players from Howard as well as 19 players and an assistant coach from NCCU.
“We’re trying to fight to get to the playoffs, and now we’re about to get some guys suspended over nonsense,” Oliver said. “It’s bigger than that.”
A CBS 17 crew on the field saw a Howard player punching an Eagles player first before the brawl erupted.
A statement from NCCU Chancellor Karrie Dixon reads in part: “such disruptive behavior is unacceptable, and we are committed to conducting a full investigation and taking appropriate disciplinary action to ensure accountability.”
“Very disheartening, and it’ll be a learning experience,” Oliver said. “And unfortunately, some of these seniors, they were involved. That could easily be their last game, which is so unfortunate.”
