NEW ORLEANS -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference and Tennessee State University of the Ohio Valley Conference have reconciled a dispute over the Nashville school's intent to not honor football contracts with three SWAC members.
At its annual Winter Meetings last December, SWAC commissioner Rudy Washington informed Tennessee State officials that no SWAC team would play TSU in any sport, effective with the 2000 school year. Washington said that decision was reached after Tennessee State informed Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University and Texas Southern University that it would not play either of them this fall, despite existing contracts with the three SWAC schools. At the time of his announcement, Washington said he would continue to work with Tennessee State officials on reaching an acceptable conclusion to the problem.
"We are happy to report that Tennessee State officials and officials of Alabama A&M, Alabama State and Texas Southern have reached acceptable compromises relative the contractual disputes," stated Washington. "All bans against playing Tennessee State have immediately been lifted, including the ban against Jackson State playing Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic. Everyone in the SWAC looks forward to a continued warm relationship with Tennessee State."
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