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A football game between Tabor College and McPherson College has been cancelled in the wake of the death of a student.
The two teams were set to play on October 20.
Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference commissioner Scott Crawford made the final decision to honor the memory of 26-year old Brandon Brown, a Tabor College student and former football player, and because of the investigation into his beating death.
"This is probably the single toughest decision we have had to make in quite a while with the KCAC," Crawford said.
Police found Brown unconscious outside a McPherson home September 16th. He died eight days later.
The KCAC says the presidents of both colleges support the decision and believe that it is in the best interests for everyone.
Tabor College President Jules Glanzer and McPherson College President Michael Schneider made a joint comment on the decision.
"You'll see in the coming year some efforts made by both schools to build on peace and reconciliation," said Tabor College Director of Communications Beth Riffel.
While students were looking forward to the game, they understand why it will not be played this year.
"Both teams could start the night with good intentions," said Tabor College student Mike Klaassen. "But its a physical game, things could be taken the wrong way and may not help at all."
McPherson police arrested Alton Franklin and Dequinte Fluornoy in connection with Brown's death. Both are charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder and both are former McPherson College football players.
Their preliminary hearings have been pushed back until october 29th, due to a scheduling conflict.
Anyone with tips can call (620) 245-1200 or Crime Stoppers of McPherson County at (620) 241-1122.