MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jackson State University announced Wednesday that their school will no longer participate in the Southern Heritage Classic football game.
JSU stated that their governing athletic conference, Southwestern Athletic Conference, has entered an agreement that conflicts with their agreement with the Southern Heritage Classic Agreement.
The University has been in agreement with the classic since 2019.
On Wednesday, JSU announced its termination of their participation in the game.
Starting in 1990, the Southern Heritage Classic is an annual HBCU football game between the JSU Tigers and the Tennessee State University Tigers.
TSU released the following statement.
Jackson State University’s announcement that their football team will no longer play in the Southern Heritage Classic is an insensitive and irresponsible act that has far-reaching implications and goes beyond football. The Classic is about more than TSU, JSU, our alumni, and fans.
The Memphis business community, including small Black-owned businesses, many of which are mom and pop businesses, will suffer incalculable damage. These businesses rely on contracts that are generated as a result of activities associated with the game, and purchase supplies and other items in preparation for this annual event.
What’s even more disappointing is that there was no opportunity for discussion or a courtesy call to the TSU president, director of athletics, or head coach before the decision was made to breach the contract which has three years remaining. TSU found out from a national scheduler.
President Glenda Glover, Tennessee State University
WJTV 12 News reached out to JSU about the decision. Per Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson, the university has no comment at this time. The JSU football schedule will be released on Monday, February 7.