According to a report from ESPN, the Southwestern Athletic Conference is investigating an accusation that Jackson State players and coaches had access to private game-week practice film of Arkansas-Pine Bluff leading up to their clash on November 2.
Andrew Roberts, a spokesperson for the conference, said the allegation was reported two days before Jackson State beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff in dominating fashion 41-3. A UAPB player apparently informed staff members that a Jackson State player told him the Tigers had been watching game week practice film of the Golden Lions.
Sources told ESPN that the private film software used by UAPB was accessed by the account of a former walk-on who had been released from the team. The IP address tied to the account was tracked to the Jackson metro area. The former walk-on in question denied releasing any film to Jackson State or providing a password to anyone outside the program.
Jackson State officials released the following statement, acknowledging the investigation but denying any violation:
“We are aware of the allegations brought to the attention of the conference. After working with the conference office and having full transparency into our program, no violations were found, and the matter was closed.”
The apparent investigation is another distraction for the Tigers ahead of a SWAC title game appearance on December 7, which comes after seven players were suspended in a postgame fight that followed Jackson State’s 16-10 win over Alabama State last Saturday.
Jackson State is set to take on in-state rival Alcorn State on Saturday at 2 p.m. in their final regular season contest of 2024.
