Grambling apologizes for postgame fight, promises discipline
The Tigers lost to Arkansas-Pine Bluff 35-32 on Saturday before players clashed, marking the second season in a row the program has dealt with an on-field brawl.
By Robert Ward ·
Grambling State football players faced a new round of scrutiny after a physical altercation broke out following a 35-32 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday. The fight occurred on the road and took several minutes to settle. This marks the second consecutive season that Grambling, now 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the SWAC, has been involved in a postgame scuffle.
The previous incident occurred in November 2025 when Tigers players clashed with Bethune-Cookman as the teams headed to halftime. At that time, the SWAC office suspended 27 players, including 18 from Grambling, and fined the Tigers $40,000. Bethune-Cookman was fined $25,000.
Mickey Joseph, the Grambling head coach in his third year, addressed the latest incident during the Monday SWAC media call. "We're sorry it happened," Joseph said. "That's not what we're teaching over here. I have to do a better job of getting my kids to channel their emotions." He added that the team had a lengthy discussion about handling perceived disrespect without resorting to physicality.
The university released a statement apologizing for the behavior exhibited on the field. The statement declared that there is zero tolerance for such actions. It noted that those involved would be held accountable and that disciplinary measures would follow university and athletic department policies.
Joseph indicated that the school will determine specific punishments with input from the athletic director and university president. He did not provide details on the extent of the penalties for individual players.
Elsewhere in the SWAC, Prairie View A&M extended its winning streak to three games after defeating Alabama A&M 31-10. Coach Tremaine Jackson said his players have taken ownership of past mistakes. "Drop two straight, we never want to do that again," Jackson said. The team remains tied for first in the SWAC West at 4-2.
Southern University also improved its standing, securing its second consecutive victory. The Jaguars defeated Bethune-Cookman 45-17, moving from a tie for last in the conference division to fourth place. Coach Marshall Faulk credited running back Trey Holly, who has rushed for over 200 yards in back-to-back games, for the team's recent offensive production.
