December 31, 2023
The Pigskin Showdown serves as an all-star showcase for the top HBCU prospects eligible for NFL draft.
Bryant Grove, one of the co-founders of the HBCU Pigskin Showdown, was arrested on Dec. 19 on charges related to theft of property. Mobile, Alabama, police arrested Grove and he was later transferred to Selma, where he is expected to face charges.
While specific details regarding Grove’s arrest remain unclear, it appears to be linked to the ongoing lawsuit with Eugene’s LLC, a clothing company based in Georgia. According to a lawsuit filed in January, Clay Campbell, the owner of Eugene’s LLC, alleges that Grove gave him a bad check amounting to $9,860. This payment was intended for the production of 116 uniforms for the 2022 Pigskin Showdown, Fox 10 TV reported.
The Pigskin Showdown is an all-star showcase for the top HBCU prospects eligible for the NFL draft, attracting scouts from multiple NFL teams.
Campbell shipped the uniforms to Selma, Alabama, and Grove later requested that Campbell cash the check approximately two weeks after it was issued. However, when Campbell attempted to cash the check as requested, the bank informed him that the check was invalid.
Despite multiple attempts to reach out to Grove regarding the bad check, Campbell reported that he was unable to establish contact. Grove’s arrest may now be the result of these allegations and the ensuing legal dispute, WKRG reported.
In response to Grove’s arrest, Campbell said, “It’s unfortunate that it had to come to this. I’ve tried to resolve this issue for a year and was unsuccessful. This isn’t about me or Mr. Grove. The legal system will take care of that. This week is about these student-athletes who have worked hard all season. It’s their time to shine. That’s where our focus should be.”
Chris Williams, the other co-founder of the Pigskin Showdown, also commented on Grove’s arrest, emphasizing their commitment to the event and the young student-athletes participating. Williams stated, “The legal circumstances surrounding HBCU Pigskin Showdown co-founder Mr. Bryant Grove is unfortunate, but the legal system will have to run its course on that matter. We’d like to assure all those involved that we have met all our financial and legal obligations for this game Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.”
The HBCU Pigskin Showdown was held Dec. 30th at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
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