The Jackson State Tigers defeated the Alabama State Hornets 26-12 on Saturday in a SWAC showdown, but it’s what happened after the game that caught the attention of the college football world.
Once the game was decided, JSU head coach Deion Sanders walked to midfield for the post-game handshake with ASU head coach Eddie Robinson, Jr. However, when the two reached one another, Robinson shook Sanders’s hand but then put his other hand on Deion’s chest before walking away, leaving Coach Prime shocked and surprised by the move.
Here is what happened between Eddie Robinson Jr. and Deion Sanders at midfield. pic.twitter.com/Xs0gDDjGou
— HBCU Sports (@HBCUSports) October 8, 2022
While it’s not entirely clear what caused Robinson to be so curt with Sanders, it could have something to do with Deion’s comments earlier in the week.
Sanders, who has been very outspoken about the value of his program since he became head coach, said it was “brilliant” by Alabama State to schedule homecoming around the Jackson State game because it ensured that the home team would make more money.
“It was brilliant to invite us there because, you’re going to make some money. But what comes with money?” Sanders said. “All money ain’t good money. But we gon’ learn.”
This clip of @DeionSanders talking about playing Bama State for their Homecoming has me IN TEARS! He wants this game to get UGLY! This man called a CONFERENCE game a MONEY game 😂 pic.twitter.com/6oVsj1cY8S
— Jeff Lightsy Jr. (@jlightsy7) October 3, 2022
Robinson offered a rebuttal, saying that it was arbitrary that this game was designated as homecoming for the school.
“Cause I don’t make the decision of the exact date of the homecoming but it’s already set. So to me, I mean, why wouldn’t you play Jackson State? I mean, they played us for their homecoming. So what’s the difference? So I think if you look at it, it’s like, for me, we’re trying to build a tradition for homecoming. So you bring a good team, you have a great crowd. And so it’s one of those things that’s carrying on year after year. But it’s the next team on the schedule. So I don’t think you look at it and say ‘Oh, their homecoming team, etc, etc,’” Robinson said.
Guessing we’ll hear a little bit more about it in the days ahead from both coaches, but especially Deion.
UPDATE: Robinson spoke about the spat after the game and didn’t hold back.
“He ain’t SWAC. I’m SWAC.”😳 Alabama State HC Eddie Robinson about Jackson State HC Deion Sanders #bamastate #swac #swarmas1 #theeibelieve pic.twitter.com/sJuZjnSXdB
— The Wild Card (@wildcard2k) October 8, 2022
[HBCU Sports, WSFA]
