Nine Fort Valley State football players suspended after postgame fight during Homecoming

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference issued penalties after reviewing footage of the postgame altercation.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University says nine student-athletes have been suspended and head coach Marlon Watson will serve a one-game ban following a postgame altercation during Saturday’s Homecoming football game against Central State University.

In a statement, the university said the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference issued an institutional fine and the suspensions after reviewing the incident. Footage of the postgame fight has circulated on social media.

“We extend our sincere apologies to the Fort Valley State University community, as well as CSU, their student-athletes, coaches and fans,” the statement read. “The actions that took place do not reflect the values of sportsmanship, integrity and respect that we uphold as an institution, athletic program and conference.”

The university added that it is taking steps to ensure student-athletes “understand the importance of representing the University with Wildcat pride and professionalism on and off the field.”

Fort Valley State lost the Homecoming matchup 18-14. The Wildcats (1-4, 1-2 SIAC) visit Benedict College Saturday.

The incident comes days after the university announced arrests and an ongoing investigation involving its marching band. The band remains suspended and did not perform over the weekend.