Grambling State football players vowed to return to practice on Monday and the administration apparently has former coach Doug Williams to thank for the change of heart.
According to USA Today, the players "consulted" with Williams before agreeing to lift a boycott that resulted in the university being forced to forfeit their game last Saturday at Jackson State.
"Although we are going to continue our season, we have not forgotten the situation and how we've gotten here" team spokesperson Naquan Smith wrote in a letter obtained by USA Today. Through all the drama, the team has openly complained about faulty conditions and lack of institutional support.
Seven games into the 2013 season, Grambling is now on its third coach of the year after Williams was fired after just two games and his replacement, George Ragsdale, was ousted and reassigned within the athletic department following a player-led revolt.
Dennis "Dirt" Winston is the coach now, a man who has the respect of the players, according USA Today. The report says the disgruntled players plan on playing hard for Winston to turn around this disastrous season. Grambling has lost 18 games in a row to NCAA sanctioned programs.
Even given their praise of Winston, players turned to the legendary Williams before ultimately returning to the gridiron. "I told them go out there and play football," Williams told USA Today. "I'm proud of them boys. They took a stance."
On Monday, Winston told the newspaper no players had left the program during the upheaval. "Everyone will be here today," he said.
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