SWAC Fines Mississippi Valley State, Alabama State for Post-Game Fight

The conference issued $25,000 fines to both schools and suspended several players following an altercation after a women's basketball game.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has announced sanctions against Mississippi Valley State University and Alabama State University following a brawl between the two women's basketball teams after a game on February 12. Both schools were fined $25,000, and several players were suspended for one or two games due to the unsportsmanlike conduct.

Why it matters

The SWAC takes sportsmanship and player conduct extremely seriously, and this incident is a reminder that there are consequences for unsportsmanlike behavior, even at the collegiate level. The fines and suspensions aim to uphold the conference's high standards and discourage similar incidents in the future.

The details

According to the SWAC's statement, the altercation occurred after Alabama State defeated Mississippi Valley State 86-70. The conference conducted a comprehensive investigation and determined that both schools violated the league's code of ethics and conduct. As a result, one Alabama State player was suspended for two games, and two Mississippi Valley State players were suspended for one game each.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • The SWAC announced the sanctions on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Alabama State University

A public historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama, and a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Mississippi Valley State University

A public historically black university located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Alabama State Athletics does not condone the actions that took place during tonight's contest against Mississippi Valley State University. Sportsmanship, discipline, and respect for the game are core values of our department and our institution. The behavior displayed does not reflect the standards and expectations we hold for our student-athletes, coaches, or program.”

— Dr. Jason Cable, Alabama State Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics (Alabama State University)

What’s next

The suspended players will miss their next scheduled games, and the schools will have to pay the $25,000 fines imposed by the SWAC.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that even at the collegiate level, unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. The SWAC's swift action in issuing fines and suspensions demonstrates the conference's commitment to promoting a culture of respect, discipline, and healthy competition among its member institutions.