Brawl ignites on Aggies’ sideline postgame
Updated at 12:28 p.m. Nov. 2 to include additional statements from head coach Tony Trisciani.
A brief fight broke out between Elon University and North Carolina A&T football players following the Phoenix’s 13-10 loss to the Aggies on Saturday in Greensboro.
The altercation occurred after the final whistle, when Elon players crossed the field to the North Carolina A&T sideline. Players from both teams became involved before the situation was resolved and the teams left the field.
Both head coaches, Elon’s Tony Trisciani and North Carolina A&T’s Shawn Gibbs, met at midfield following the incident, shook hands and apologized to each other. Trisciani said the incident is not what the program stands for.
“I was extremely disappointed in our behavior, which does not align with who we are as a football program or an institution,” Trisciani said in a press conference Nov. 2. “I had a chance to speak with Coach Gibbs personally over the weekend and apologize and just wanted to extend that apology to the Aggie football program and fanbase, and we’re taking appropriate disciplinary action within the program.”
Elon Athletics released a statement expressing disappointment in the team’s actions and apologizing for taking attention away from the Aggies’ homecoming victory.
“We apologize for detracting from what should have been a moment for North Carolina A&T to celebrate a hard-fought victory,” the statement said. “Elon Athletics holds our student-athletes, coaches and staff to a high standard of sportsmanship. We are reviewing what occurred and will take appropriate action.”
North Carolina A&T Athletics Director Katreshia Louis-Verrett also addressed the incident in a press release, saying both teams played a competitive game and emphasizing the opportunity for growth.
“College is a time to learn and grow, and we were glad to see that ultimately take place in this situation,” Louis-Verrett said.
Trisciani said he sent a similar message in the locker room.
“When I addressed the team, it was about our actions and how we have to handle ourselves in those situations and have better judgement,” Trisciani said. “A lot of it is about learning and growing from it.”
The incident followed a close contest during North Carolina A&T’s 100th anniversary homecoming celebration. The Aggies took a 13-10 lead on a 34-yard field goal with 2:18 remaining, then sealed the victory by forcing and recovering a fumble on Elon’s final possession.
Elon fell to 4-5 overall and 2-3 in Coastal Athletic Association play, while North Carolina A&T improved to 4-5 and 3-2 in conference play.
This is not the first time Elon football has opened an investigation for disciplinary action.
Athletics investigated a football player for alleged offensive remarks at a game against North Carolina Central University in 2024.