Last weekend, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs upset the University of North Alabama Lions in a football game that most of you didn’t know even took place by a 31-24 score.
After the game, a series of allegations were made that were pretty serious and require further investigation.
Here are the problems Bulldogs’ head coach Connell Maynor pointed out:
- “It ain’t 1959, we don’t have to put up with that type stuff.”
- Alabama A&M received no free tickets or tickets to sell to the public
- Alabama A&M player weren’t allowed access to the field prior to two hours before the game
- Alabama A&M coaches were told to have their credentials hanging around their neck, UNA coaches had theirs around their waist
- His assistant coaches were not able to use the elevator right away because of fans being given priority
- “There was too much stuff that went on off the field, behind the scenes that was not professional on their part at all.”
- “And we were very very disappointed in the way they treated us, in every aspect off the field.”
- The teams will not play again
And most importantly, according to the Florence Times Daily:
Maynor also alleged an incident occurred in which a police officer put “his hand on his gun” and saying “Did you hear what he said?” during an argument between a coach and security.
Whoa… what?
A police officer put his hand on his weapon during an argument with staff?
Wait.
A police officer put his hand on his weapon during an argument with the staff of a Historically Black College and University at a football game?
Why don’t we know what agency this officer was with?
His name?
The name of the coach involved?
This is a serious allegation and is, no doubt, a racially tinged accusation.
There must be an investigation of this entire situation.
Only, there will not be an investigation. Alabama A&M has made it clear neither the coach nor the school will be commenting further, which is insane.
Alabama A&M’s head coach is alleging some pretty serious stuff, including a police officer going for his gun over a coach’s access to part of a football stadium.
Instead, we got a statement from the two schools that says the following:
“Alabama A&M University and the University of North Alabama are vital educational institutions that serve the North Alabama region and beyond. Both institutions are committed to working collaboratively to advance our respective missions. We are separated by 76 miles; however, we remain united in ensuring the viability of our institutions and the success of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and programs, both academically and athletically. As part of that collaborative commitment, both universities have been in communication since Monday about the recent UNA-AAMU football game at Braly Stadium to decide what, if any, next steps are necessary. Both institutions are committed to providing a safe, accommodating, friendly, and inclusive environment. We remain dedicated to furthering our relationship and enjoying a bright future, both on and off the field.”
The highlight is this (bold text added for emphasis):
As part of that collaborative commitment, both universities have been in communication since Monday about the recent UNA-AAMU football game at Braly Stadium to decide what, if any, next steps are necessary.
To put it bluntly, that statement is complete garbage.
Was there racism or not?
Was this just normal rivalry stuff?
Was there an effort by the University of North Alabama to behave in a way that Alabama A&M’s coach, staff, and players led to these words by a state employee about another state institution?
Is Coach Maynor lying?
If he is, why is he still employed?
If he is not, why don’t we know what actually happened?
Why is this police officer still on the job?
Shame on everyone involved in this situation, especially the leadership of these universities who have no interest in getting to the bottom of what actually happened.
Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 am weekdays on WVNN
