The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced sweeping penalties following the brawl that occurred following University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs' 35-32 victory over Grambling State. The fight led to $50,000 in combined fines for both Grambling and UAPB, along with 23 player suspensions. 14 Grambling State football players and 9 UAPB student football players have been suspended, with several players receiving two-game suspensions.

SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland weighed in on the sanctions for both teams.

“We’re extremely disappointed by the events that transpired during postgame of the Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Grambling State football game. Acts of that nature have zero place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and intercollegiate athletics…The Conference Office has and will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all acts deemed to be unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletics programs within our league.”

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If the fight followed a compelling matchup between Grambling and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs, who are both vying to improve their positioning in the SWAC championship race. Golden Lions quarterback Jack Schierholz had a stellar game, throwing for 208 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 80 yards and one touchdown on nine carries, including a 59-yard run.

Gremlin ultimately faced a 21-10 deficit early in the second quarter but fought their way back to take the lead, 25-21, with 47 seconds left in the third quarter. University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff then regained the lead with 5 minutes and 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter after a Daedae Allen 76-yard punt return.