A week of explosive clashes on the football field has captured the attention of sports fans and analysts alike, sparking a growing concern over the state of sportsmanship in the game. From the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills showdown to FCS Towson vs. North Carolina A&T to HBCU FCS rivalries like Jackson State vs. Alabama State and HBCU D2 rivalries like Virginia Union vs. Virginia State, every level of football is witnessing an alarming uptick in brawls. The college scene isn’t immune either, as even Nebraska‘s FBS matchup with USC saw its heated moments, adding to the growing list of incidents. For HBCUs, there were even more concerns with Howard vs. NCCU and Florida A&M vs. Prairie View, all ending with brawls.  It’s time to talk about what is going on with football, the rising aggression, and the growing question of unsportsmanlike conduct taking over the game.

The Week of Chaos: From the NFL to HBCUs:

The week was marked by multiple altercations on the field that have left fans, coaches, and administrators reeling. In the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Buffalo Bills in a hard-fought contest that boiled over into a series of fights. It wasn’t just a few pushes or trash talk—full-blown brawls resulted in player suspensions and calls for more decisive disciplinary action. But it wasn’t just the pros where tempers flared. In the FCS, North Carolina A&T took on Towson in a fierce game where multiple players threw punches. At the same time, Jackson State and Alabama State—with Jackson State clinching the SWAC conference will head to the upcoming Black College Championship against South Carolina State with a few suspensions. The MEAC, SWAC, and CIAA have all condemned the actions strongly, with calls to disqualify players and implement suspensions after reviewing game footage.

The Impact on HBCU Football:

HBCUs have long been revered for their history, culture, and the pride they bring to their communities. The idea of football brawls tarnishing the tradition of HBCU football is deeply troubling to many who value the integrity and discipline in these programs. In a time when HBCUs are pushing for greater exposure and recognition, mainly through televised games and streaming platforms, incidents like these jeopardize the positive momentum these programs have built.

The SWAC, MEAC, and CIAA are united in their stance against this growing problem. After reviewing the incidents, officials from these conferences have announced their intention to suspend and possibly disqualify players involved in fights. This level of condemnation is unprecedented, signaling how seriously these conferences are taking the issue of unsportsmanlike behavior. These aren’t just isolated incidents; they are part of a troubling trend creeping into every level of football, threatening the foundation of what has always been considered the essence of the game.

The Professional and College Landscape: A Growing Concern:

At the professional level, the NFL has long grappled with players who let their emotions get the best of them, but what’s disturbing is that this behavior is increasingly spilling into college football. What used to be a rare occurrence is now becoming a norm. The question is, why? Is it the pressure of the game? The influence of social media? Or is it simply a breakdown in teaching discipline and respect for the game?

What is clear is that football is becoming more than just a physical battle—it’s an emotional one. As fans and players watch each other on screens, an increasing sense of competition goes beyond the scoreboard. The rise of trash talk, taunting, and heightened aggression has shifted the focus from athleticism and strategy to spectacle and showmanship. While some argue that the intensity of the game is what makes it exciting, others are concerned that this fiery atmosphere is spilling over into dangerous territory.

Can Football Survive This Storm?

With major networks and streaming platforms showcasing these games, the eyes of the world are on football like never before. However, this newfound visibility is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a stage for athletes to showcase their skills. On the other hand, it amplifies negative moments, making brawls and unsportsmanlike conduct more visible and challenging to ignore.

The question is: Can football at every level prevent these incidents from becoming the new normal? Will disciplinary actions by the HBCUs, the NFL, and other football organizations curb this troubling trend? Or will this behavior continue to escalate until the very integrity of the sport is threatened?

As football continues to grow in popularity and reach, it’s time for a serious conversation about the direction of the sport. While the intensity and passion of the game should always be celebrated, there needs to be a renewed focus on discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. The brawls seen across the NFL, FBS, FCS, and HBCUs this week are a warning sign that cannot be ignored. It’s time for football to reclaim its honor—before it loses its soul.

Bossier City, La. [November 13, 2024] – The Dillard University Bleu Devils claimed the 2024 Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Volleyball Championship with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Talladega College (25-18, 25-23, 25-19) at Billy Montgomery Gymnasium.

Led by standout performances from Cadence Thomas and Gabrielle Washington on defense, and Vanae Sapp and Tyramae Fautanu recording double-doubles, Dillard secured their title in dominant fashion.

Defensive Dominance and Offensive Firepower

The Bleu Devils’ front row defense proved impenetrable, with Thomas contributing two solo blocks and four assists, while Washington added four block assists. Dillard turned away 11 Talladega attacks and held the Tornadoes to a season-low .032 hitting percentage.

Sapp shined offensively with 11 kills and 12 digs, earning her the 2024 HBCUAC Championship Most Valuable Player award. Fautanu chipped in 15 assists and 10 digs. Thomas and Washington added eight and seven kills, respectively.

Trenity Pender anchored the defense with 13 digs and four assists, earning All-Tournament honors. Sara Da Silva also earned All-Tournament recognition, contributing seven kills in the championship match.

Match Recap

• First Set: After an initial four-point run fueled by Talladega errors, Dillard dominated with a seven-point surge sparked by a kill from Thomas. The Bleu Devils extended their lead to 18-8, capped by a kill from Sapp to clinch the set.
• Second Set: Dillard started strong with a 7-3 lead, but Talladega rallied with a five-point run. Kills from Da Silva and Thomas helped Dillard regain the edge, and a late push, including a clutch kill from Washington, secured a two-set lead.
• Third Set: Talladega fought back, with Re’na Ashley leading a charge to a five-point lead. However, Dillard’s resilience prevailed, with critical points from Washington and Da Silva turning the tide. Sapp sealed the title with her 11th kill of the match.

Talladega’s Standouts

Ashley led the Tornadoes with eight kills, followed by Zariah Messick with seven kills and two block assists. Giovana Costarelli dished out 17 assists and three aces, earning All-Tournament honors. Briyith Echeverri tallied 22 digs, while Taquoia Rounds, with 12 digs, also made the All-Tournament Team.

Path Forward

Both Dillard (20-8) and Talladega (25-9) advance to the NAIA Volleyball Championship Opening Round, set for November 23. Their opponents and match locations will be revealed during the NAIA Selection Show, airing at noon on Monday on the Urban Edge Network.

2024 HBCUAC All-Tournament Team

• MVP: Vanae Sapp, Dillard
• Sara Da Silva, Dillard
• Trenity Pender, Dillard
• Giovana Costarelli, Talladega
• Taquoia Rounds, Talladega
• Sydney Willis, Fisk
• Ja’Niya Sanders, Philander Smith

Towson, Md. – Towson capitalized on Hampton’s mistakes to secure a decisive 27-10 win on Saturday, with quarterback Sean Brown leading the offense through timely plays.

The Tigers took an early lead with a 12-yard touchdown run by Brown, set up by his 33-yard pass to Jaceon Doss, putting Towson up 7-0 with 5:39 left in the first quarter. Hampton’s next possession quickly turned sour when Towson’s Myles Brodie intercepted a pass from Malcom Mays, returning it to the Hampton 12-yard line. Two plays later, Brown connected with Carter Runyon for an 8-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0.

Towson added a 24-yard field goal by Keegan Vaughan late in the first half, extending their lead to 17-0. Although Hampton briefly gained momentum when Tre Everett III intercepted a pass from Brown, Towson’s defense responded by intercepting Chris Zellous and returning it 62 yards for another touchdown, widening the gap to 24-0 just before halftime.

Hampton managed a touchdown late in the game with Zellous scoring on a 3-yard run. Despite outgaining Towson in total yards (286-198), Hampton’s three turnovers proved costly, outweighing Towson’s two.

This was the second meeting between the two teams since Hampton joined the Colonial Athletic Association. Towson previously defeated Hampton 27-7 in their 2022 matchup.

MYRNA, Del. (Nov. 2, 2024) – Norfolk State University’s men’s cross-country team continued its dynasty on Saturday at the MEAC Men’s Cross Country Championship, securing its fifth consecutive title and 17th overall. With four runners finishing in the top five, the Spartans demonstrated their enduring strength on the course, tallying a team score of 27 points and sealing another victory under the guidance of Outstanding Coach Kenneth Giles.

North Carolina Central’s Meshack Kuyo delivered the individual performance of the day, blazing through the Delaware State Outreach & Research Center’s course with a record-breaking time of 23:18.2 to win the individual gold. His exceptional run earned him the Outstanding Performer honor and set the pace for an exciting championship race.

HBCU Original captured all the action as Norfolk State’s top finishers lined up close behind Kuyo. Brian Rotich led the Spartan charge with a 23:34.6 finish for second place, with teammates Raphael Kitur (23:59.9), Victor Jumo (24:18.8), and Gidion Sigei (24:20.4) rounding out the top five and securing the team title for Norfolk State.

The Spartans’ nearest competition came from North Carolina Central, who claimed the runner-up spot with 59 points. Kuyo’s gold-medal performance was complemented by a strong showing from Emmanuel Paddyfote, who placed eighth with a time of 25:24.0, showcasing NCCU’s emerging talent.

Delaware State took third place with 67 points, led by an impressive sixth-place finish from Marian Drazan at 24:31.6. Teammates Devin Smith and Jonathan Drew also contributed to the Hornets’ top-ten representation, finishing ninth and tenth, respectively, and adding crucial points for their team.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s Jalen Ridgeway was another standout, placing seventh with a time of 25:15.3. Morgan State and Howard also had top-15 finishers, earning All-MEAC honors and adding to a competitive field in Smyrna.

As Norfolk State celebrated yet another championship under Coach Giles, HBCU Original was on-site, documenting each stride, sprint, and victory for fans across the HBCU community. With record-setting performances and tenacious competition, this year’s MEAC Men’s Cross Country Championship proved that the future of HBCU athletics is bright and filled with promise.

All-MEAC Honors were awarded to the top 15 runners, commemorating an elite group of competitors who pushed the pace and showcased the best of MEAC athletics.

• Outstanding Performer: Meshack Kuyo, North Carolina Central
• Outstanding Coach: Kenneth Giles, Norfolk State

All-MEAC Team:

• Meshack Kuyo (North Carolina Central)
• Brian Rotich (Norfolk State)
• Raphael Kitur (Norfolk State)
• Victor Jumo (Norfolk State)
• Gidion Sigei (Norfolk State)
• Marian Drazan (Delaware State)
• Jalen Ridgeway (Maryland Eastern Shore)
• Emmanuel Paddyfote (North Carolina Central)
• Devin Smith (Delaware State)
• Jonathan Drew (Delaware State)
• Evans Kimutai (North Carolina Central)
• Perry Bennett (Morgan State)
• Basil Koech (Norfolk State)
• William Shepherd (Howard)
• Caleb Mincey (Morgan State)

As the season concludes, Norfolk State’s men’s cross-country team stands tall, continuing its legacy as the powerhouse of the MEAC. With electrifying performances and dedicated athletes like Kuyo and Rotich, HBCU cross-country fans can expect more record-breaking moments in seasons to come.