There was a literal army of Grambling State University fans on hand last week to watch a cross parish rivalry between the GSU Tigers and the ULM Warhawks. Each time the two teams meet, it always ends the same way, GSU loses and the Warhawks win.
Either way, win or lose, fans had a great time and both schools enjoyed a much needed financial boost.
The Warhawks defeated the Tigers 31-19 in the cross parish contest.
The event itself drew GSU Alumni from across the nation who flew home for what some called a GSU mini-reunion, filled with revelry, tailgating, and memories.
They came to see the band, which they knew would show out and to support the team, who they knew would probably lose. It was a fun event. Even though GSU Tigers are champions of the SWAC, they are a much smaller team, so the thousands who came to the game didn’t expect a GSU victory, but a great union of friends, memories and trash-talking.
Even when ULM defensive end Kerry Starks reportedly spit on a GSU player, it could not spoil the excitement and the fun.
ULM’s coaching staff wasn’t happy about Starks’ action and he has been suspended for the upcoming game against Florida State on September 7.
ULM became aware of the offense when GSU tight end Kalif Jackson posted on Twitter Sunday that Starks spit in his face during the Warhawks’ 31-19 win against GSU the previous day.
Starks also allegedly punched another Grambling player in the first quarter.
Coach Matt Viator said that there are consequences to actions and the consequence of Starks action is that he will not make the trip to Florida. Instead, he will work out with the practice squad this week.
This is Starks’ second suspension this year. In February, Starks was arrested on charges of domestic abuse, battery and simple criminal damage to property after an incident at a local night club in Monroe in which he and his girlfriend had a public altercation.
The defensive end was subsequently suspended from football-related activity.
Even Starks’ unsportsmanlike action last week, could not pour water on the excitement shared by the fans. The Warhawks’ quick response, did much to smooth relations and keep fans ready to return to the GSU-ULM showdown and tailgate party when it comes again.
