Jackson State to sue Grambling over homecoming game

Jackson State plans to sue Grambling State for losses incurred because of a canceled football game.  (Getty Images)

Jackson State University said it plans to sue Grambling State University for financial losses because of a forfeited homecoming game last weekend.

Grambling State football players failed to participate in a game scheduled for last Saturday against Jackson State after they complained to their school administrators about the conditions of the weight room and the treatment of the players.

The team agreed this week to return to the field and play out the rest of the season.

Eric Stringfellow, the executive director of Jackson State's communications, issued a statement on the school's website on Tuesday evening.

ELLIS: Report: Grambling State football players to return to field, finish season

Stringfellow said that the school and city of Jackson's losses "could be in the millions.”  The forfeit could cost Jackson State up to $200,000 in ticket refunds alone.

“The university intends to use litigation to be made whole for our direct and indirect financial losses. Grambling’s issues are well documented and long standing. Those issues, however, are not JSU’s issues nor are these JSU’s responsibility. Grambling repeatedly assured us its team would travel to Jackson. Late Friday afternoon they informed us their student athletes would not travel to Jackson for our scheduled game. We have dealt in good faith with Grambling and the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The actions of both have hurt JSU.”

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