December 14, 2024 | ABC News. The NCAA and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) have fined Gambling State University quarterback Myles Crawle and issued a public censure for statements he made following a recent game. Crawle, the Tigers’ senior leader, faced criticism for remarks judged inappropriate and opposed to the ideals of both the NCAA and the SWAC.
The dispute occurred following Gambling State’s close win over rival Alcorn State. During a postgame interview, Crawle made several comments concerning the game’s officiating, implying that the referees were biassed in favour of his team. He also made remarks that some critics deemed offensive and disrespectful to opponents.
“These types of comments are simply unacceptable,” according to a joint NCAA-SWAC statement. “The integrity of the game must be maintained, and such remarks undermine the principles of fair play, respect for others, and the values we strive to promote in collegiate athletics.”
As part of the disciplinary procedure, Crawle was fined an unknown sum and given a formal reprimand. This sanction is the first of its kind in the SWAC for the 2024 season, demonstrating the conference’s commitment to implementing its rules of conduct.
In response to the event, Gambling State head coach Corey Thompson expressed disappointment and emphasised the necessity of professionalism on and off the pitch. “Myles recognises the power of his words and has learnt a valuable lesson. “We hold our student-athletes to the highest standards of conduct,” Thompson said in a statement.
The episode has spurred a broader discussion about the constraints that student-athletes endure, particularly in high-stakes games, and the responsibilities that they bear as ambassadors of their universities. Both the NCAA and the SWAC have emphasised their commitment to promoting sportsmanship in college football.