Virginia State ineligible for playoffs after rival quarterback beaten

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Assn. has ruled Virginia State ineligible for postseason competition after some of its players allegedly attacked the quarterback of rival Winston-Salem State during a luncheon Friday.

Winston-Salem State, which was to host Virginia State in the CIAA championship game Saturday before it was canceled, was seeded No. 4 in its region and will host Slippery Rock in a first-round game of the NCAA Division II playoffs next weekend.

The CIAA released a statement that said Commissioner Jacqie Carpenter and the conference’s board of directors met in an emergency conference call and came to the conclusion that “based upon available information, and in the best interest of the conference and its member institutions, the CIAA and board of directors declared Virginia State University ineligible to participate in the 2013 football postseason.”

Winston-Salem State officials reported that quarterback Rudy Johnson was viciously beaten by a group of Virginia State players and that running back Lamont Britt admitted he took part in the altercation.

Britt has been arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury.

The winner of the Winston-Salem State-Slippery Rock game will travel to play top-seeded Shepherd on Nov. 30. Winston-Salem State, which went 9-1 this season, lost in the championship game last season to Valdosta State.

Wire service and Internet reports contributed to this story.

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