Albany State, Tuskegee cheerleaders ejected from SIAC tourney after brawl

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Members of the Albany State University and Tuskegee University cheerleading and dance teams were sent home Tuesday night following a fight that occurred between the two squads at halftime during their schools’ opening-round game at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournament.

The SIAC office issued a statement Wednesday morning: “The obligation to observe basic principles of sportsmanship and fair play extends to all participants at the SIAC basketball tournament. As a consequence of the incident on Tuesday, the cheerleading and dance teams from both Albany State University and Tuskegee University will not be permitted to participate in our tournament for the remainder of the week.”

ASU Athletic Director Richard Williams said Wednesday that an investigation into the behavior of the university’s cheerleading squad was under way.

“At Albany State University, we take pride in demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship, leadership and good character,” Williams said. “We expect our student athletes and representatives to conduct themselves accordingly; anything less is unacceptable.

“Based on the findings of our investigation and the university’s student code of conduct, we will take appropriate action.”

Tuskegee officials also released a statement. “Tuskegee University is disappointed by the incident which occurred between the cheerleaders of Tuskegee University and Albany State during Tuesday’s 2015 SIAC Tournament,” Tuskegee officials said. “The university does not condone and conduct unbecoming of a Tuskegee University student.”

The SIAC and both universities are investigating the incident.

Tuskegee won the first round game 80-63, eliminating ASU from the tournament.