Custom Search Homecoming celebration will continue with scrimmage and free concert
Jackson State University has been informed by Grambling State University officials that the Grambling football team will not participate in Saturday’s game at JSU.
Instead, the JSU Tigers will play a “Blue and White” scrimmage game at 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. Following the game, the Sonic Boom of the South marching band will play for an extended performance. At 4 p.m., Lyfe Jennings, Terrell C. Moses and Larry Johnson will perform a free concert at the stadium. The 4 p.m. concert is open to the public.
All other Jackson State Homecoming activities will continue as scheduled. The Homecoming Parade will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, in downtown Jackson.
Jackson State is currently working out a process to refund Homecoming game tickets. Once those details are worked out, the information will be posted on www.jsums.edu.
“This is an unfortunate situation for JSU fans, but it is beyond our control,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers. “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.”
Statement from the Southwestern Athletic Conference
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has issued an official statement in correlation to the Grambling State - Jackson State football game scheduled for Saturday, October 19.
Per league rules, the game has been ruled a forfeit. The ruling was made following Grambling State's failure to participate in the scheduled match up.
"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."
According to the current record book, it is the first time a member school within the conference has forfeited a game during the regular season.