Brawl Breaks Out at College Football Homecoming Game in Georgia

Fort Valley, Georgia — A Division II college football game between Central State University and Fort Valley State University erupted in chaos Saturday after the final whistle. Central State emerged victorious with an 18-14 score, spoiling Fort Valley’s homecoming.

The altercation began post-game when players exchanged punches on the sideline, captured in a viral video. Witnesses reported the field flooded with players as rival teams collided in a dogpile.

“Coaches, get your players off the field,” the stadium’s public address announcer pleaded as spectators reacted with surprise and alarm.

On Monday, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), which oversees both universities, suspended 20 players involved in the brawl—11 from Central State and 9 from Fort Valley. Additionally, both head coaches, Marlon Watson of Fort Valley and Tony Carter of Central State, received suspensions of their own.

“Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in intercollegiate athletics,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman in a statement. “I am extremely disappointed that this event overshadowed what was otherwise a very competitive football game.”

The SIAC also fined both schools an undisclosed amount for violating the conference’s code of ethics.

In a statement, Fort Valley addressed the incident, stating, “We do not condone behavior that falls short of these standards. Our priority is to ensure our student-athletes represent the University with pride and professionalism.”

This incident’s timing aligns with recent troubles for Fort Valley. Several members of the FVSU marching band were arrested on hazing charges just prior to the game, which prevented them from performing at the homecoming event. The university is currently conducting investigations related to both the brawl and the hazing allegations.

As investigations continue, both schools are working to address the consequences of the violence and how to promote better sportsmanship moving forward.