Conference quarrel: Hampton claims MEAC is punishing Pirates for leaving for Big South

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University’s road south has encountered an obstacle.

As the Pirates prepare to transition out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and into the Big South Conference, a move HU announced in November, Hampton has encountered an issue with its soon-to-be former league.

Last week, The Onnidian Group – an HBCU-centric website, tweeted Hampton will not play any MEAC football games in 2018 or 2019. Citing sources, the tweet said HU was trying to fill its schedule from scratch.

Tuesday, Hampton responded to what it calls “inaccurate and misleading” reports it has opted out of playing MEAC football opponen
ts in 2018. HU claims the MEAC is going out of its way to punish the Pirates for leaving the conference.

News 3 reached MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas by phone Wednesday afternoon. When asked for the conference’s response to Hampton’s claims, Dr. Thomas said, “We have reviewed the document and will have the appropriate response in due time. Until then, we will refrain from making further comment.”

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