Grambling players say they'll continue season

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- The Grambling State University football players issued a statement Monday that said they will return to practice and resume playing but that they had no regrets about boycotting practices last week and refusing to travel for Saturday's game at Jackson State.

The statement, a copy of which was emailed to USA TODAY Sports and signed by safety Naquan Smith, said "although we are going to continue our season, we have not forgotten the situation and how we've gotten here."

The statement said that the players decided to return after consulting former head coach Doug Williams, who was fired Sept. 11. He was replaced by running backs coach George Ragsdale, who was in turn reassigned within the athletics department Thursday amid the player revolt. Defensive coordinator Dennis "Dirt" Winston was appointed to replace Ragsdale as interim head coach.

The statement said Williams main statement to the players was, "Go out there and play football."

In a text message to USA TODAY Sports on Friday, Williams had said, "I'm proud of them boys. They took a stance."

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