By Ashley Brown
The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced the initiation of an investigation regarding allegations that Jackson State University had access to practice film from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff before their matchup on Nov. 2. ESPN reported the revelation, which highlights serious concerns within the conference about competitive integrity.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The allegations surfaced on Oct. 31, just two days before the game. A UAPB player informed their coaching staff that a Jackson State player had told them that members of the JSU football team were watching UAPB’s practice footage at their facility.
UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton reviewed the team’s video-sharing software once he received this information. He discovered that footage had been accessed using the credentials of a former player who had been released from the team in the previous spring.
Sources indicate that the IP address linked to the unauthorized access was traced back to Clinton, Mississippi, neighboring Jackson.
While UAPB officials recognized the ongoing investigation, they refrained from public comments. The Jackson State athletic department also remained silent on the matter.
A Gray Area
The former walk-on whose account was implicated in this incident denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he did not share his login credentials with anyone associated with Jackson State. He expressed concern over his previous sharing of access information with UAPB teammates, suggesting a “loose culture” surrounding credential security within the team.
Notably, despite the serious nature of the allegations, it remains unclear how UAPB continued to provide access to accounts after players were released from the team.
Jackson State, who has had a strong season standing at 9-2 with a perfect 7-0 record in the SWAC, is bracing for the implications of this investigation as it prepares for the upcoming SWAC championship game following their recent victory over Alabama State. This situation unfolded against heightened tensions following a postgame altercation, resulting in significant fines and suspensions for both teams.