In an unfortunate turn of events, a fighting incident between two players from Virginia State University and Winston-Salem State forced the cancellation of Saturday’s CIAA Football Championship. The scuffle reportedly occurred in a restroom during the CIAA’s welcoming banquet on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. There has been wild speculation as to what exactly occurred to start this incident, which resulted in Rams QB Rudy Johnson being beaten. Police arrested VSU RB Lamont Britt, who was being held on assault charges in Forsythe County, NC.
Initial reports stated that several Virginia State players were involved, but it is now understood that there were Trojan players present who were actually trying to break up the fight. The cancellation leaves the playoff future of the two teams in question because this game was to confirm a spot in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Certainly, with the playoffs set to begin this weekend, there will be no attempt to make up this game, so the decision will apparently rest with the NCAA. This has been nightmare for the CIAA, which decided to cancel to assure the safety of players and fans, but there is no question the league will take a huge financial hit as well since the game was to be nationally televised.
The VSU Women’s Volleyball team was also in Winston-Salem to compete for the CIAA title as well, but that event was also cancelled. The incident puts a huge damper on what had otherwise been the finest moment in Virginia State football history.= as the Trojans were 9 – 1 and riding an 8-game winning streak into the CIAA Championship Game. The University will hold a Monday morning press conference to discuss the incident with the campus community, the media, and the public.
