The university announced refunds would be given to those who request them via the university website; a Friday night concert by hit recording artist Charlie Wilson was sold out; and the JSU players took the field for a free-to-the-public ”blue and white” scrimmage game followed by a free concert. The stands were half empty, but the crowd, including a contingent of loyal tailgaters, seemed to make the best of it.
Most Grambling players staged a protest last week, boycotting practices and refusing to board the bus. The Southwest Athletic Association ruled the no-show a forfeit, and hit Grambling with a $20,000 fine, according to a weekend news release. The SWAC statement also said Grambling’s forfeit marked the first time in SWAC history that a member forfeited a game during the regular season.
Some fans were happy that Jackson State held some events despite the game cancellation. “It’s unfortunate that Grambling didn’t come, but I wasn’t upset,” said Ashley Profit of nearby Canton, Miss., a 2010 graduate of JSU and a current doctoral student in clinical psychology, as she walked toward the stadium from her car Saturday afternoon. “I appreciate the efforts that were made by the university to have some type of activity—people traveled, stayed in hotels, bought tickets —so people still have ways to celebrate.”
Her comments were underscored by the festive atmosphere. JSU director of communications Eric Stringfellow told Diverse on Saturday about an hour before the scrimmage, “The mood is good, the parking lot is full, people are tailgating and barbecuing.” He said most fans were not expressing anger toward JSU. “They realize this was something beyond our control.”
A few fans did express anger, or at least annoyance, but mainly toward Grambling. “Honestly, it really can’t be made up” said 2009 JSU sociology graduate Willie Criss. “People lost a lot of money. … The team wanted to make a statement and they stuck by it. I support them in their goals, because the players bring in the money.”
Another JSU alum felt differently. “I think it’s horrible that the Grambling team didn’t come,” said Pricilla Rush, a 1985 JSU business grad. “They signed a contract, and they need to be held accountable. I think their scholarships should be pulled.
