Morgan State investigating altercation between football team and NSU band
Morgan State vice president and director for athletics Dena Freeman-Patton released a statement Sunday evening saying it is investigating an altercation between the Bears’ football team and the Norfolk State band on Saturday.
“Apart from the positive aspects of the game and its outcome, it has come to our attention that during the day’s activities, an incident transpired resulting in an altercation between parties from both universities, particularly involving members of the football team and the Spartan band,” Freeman-Patton said in the release posted on X, formerly Twitter.
A video of the altercation posted on social media shows multiple Morgan State football players punching members of Norfolk State’s band. The altercation appeared to take place on the portion of Presidential Parkway that runs underneath the section of stands in Dick Price Stadium that is generally occupied by fans from the visiting team.
“This matter is currently being investigated and will result in any appropriate actions needed to be taken,” Freeman-Patton said. “What transpired off the field is not reflective of what Morgan State University stands for or the core value it upholds.”
HBCU Gameday reported Sunday that the altercation began after a Morgan State player was allegedly hit with a flagpole.
A Norfolk State athletics department spokesperson told The Pilot on Monday NSU has no plans to release a statement regarding the incident.
The matchup between Morgan State and Norfolk State on Saturday took place during the Spartans’ homecoming and ultimately ended in a 32-28 victory for the Bears.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
Michael Sauls, michael.sauls@virginiamedia.com, (757) 803-5774
