Mass brawl explodes on court at women’s basketball match – The Sun
A MASS brawl irrupted on the court of a women's basketball game at Texas Southern University in Alabama after a match.
Spectators can be heard screaming as the vicious fight broke out between the TSU Tigers and the Alabama State University Hornets.
Shocking footage shows several basketball players pushing and punching each other, while others desperately tried to pull them apart.
The opposing teams can be seen charging at one another after the game on February 3, in the violent outburst.
The group of women moves along the court, crashing into the edges of the court, inches away from the crowd.
One of the women bursts through the scuffle, hitting other girls in her wake, before being dragged to the floor and kicked by the rival team.
According to a statement from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, 10 student-athletes and two managers have been suspended following the altercation.
After reviewing the postgame footage, five Texas Southern and five Alabama State student-athletes have been suspended, along with two Alabama State managers.
Both teams involved are also required to pay $5,000 fines to the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Kevin Granger, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at TSU issued the following statement: The Texas Southern University Department of Athletics respects the decision by the Southwestern Athletic Conference regarding Monday's unfortunate incident.
"In addition to the SWAC's policies, what took place on Monday is a direct violation of our department's policies in regards to sportsmanship and ethical behavior that we expect our student-athletes to adhere to at all times.
"While the timing of the suspensions is unfortunate, our student-athletes will take ownership of their decisions and the department will assist them going forward to ensure they understand the magnitude of this situation and how it reflects on Texas Southern University in general."
Cynthia Cooper Dyke, the Lady Tigers' head coach said: "I was shocked and I am saddened by the altercation that occurred after the Alabama State women's basketball game. This is not how we want to represent our program, university, conference or women's basketball.
"We accept responsibility for our actions and whatever penalties are levied by the conference office. Additionally, we will have a series of 'conflict resolution' counseling sessions for our student-athletes to better equip them to handle hostile environments."
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