Florida A&M Suspends 'Football-Related Activities' Amid Rap Video Controversy
Head coach Willie Simmons of Florida A&M University's football program is "suspending all football-related activities until further notice" following Real Boston Richey's rap video shot in the team's locker room. The video "Send a Blitz" contains what Simmons classifies as "graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M's core values, principles, and beliefs." Coach Simmons released a statement on social media: "...an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of not only the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell but also licensed apparel that potentially violates university branding and licensing agreements.
COACH WILLIE SIMMONS' FULL STATEMENT
Earlier today, it was brought to my attention that a rap video was shot by a prominent rapper in the football locker room of Galimore-Power Fieldhouse without proper authorization.
The video contained graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M's core values, principles, and beliefs, and an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of not only the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell but also licensed apparel that potentially violates university branding and licensing agreements.
Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and support all forms of musical expression, this football team (as ambassadors of Florida A&M University) has a responsibility to protect the University's image. As a result of this unfortunate situation, as head football coach, I am effectively suspending all football-related activities until further notice.
It is a privilege to wear the Orange and Green, and as a football program, our young men have failed to live up to the standard set before us. They will all learn from this mishap, and we will continue to work hard every day to become the best version of ourselves and continue to make Rattler Nation proud.
Florida A&M entered a six-year deal with Nike and Lebron James' branding to outfit 14 sports programs and the marching band. James recently released the FAMU APB x Lebron XX sneakers in June. Nike nor Lebron James has not released a statement regarding the video incident.
The latest turmoil at Florida A&M will again place the institution, athletic department, and its football program under the spotlight.
FLORIDA A&M ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT'S KEY MOMENTS 2022-23
- Kortne Gosha, former vice president and director of athletics, resigned on Apr. 20, 2022. Multiple reports said Gosha was under investigation by the institution. He accepted a position as senior associate director at Tulane University.
- Florida A&M University hired Tiffani-Dawn Sykes as its vice president and director of athletics on Jan. 4, 2023.
- In August 2022, the NCAA ruled 26 football players ineligible days before the team's season opener against North Carolina. Several players missed playing in the contest following intervention by SWAC officials and the FAMU administration to correct the academic compliance issues.
- 80+ players sent a complaint letter to the university's president Dr. Larry Robinson detailing a lack of institutional support for the athletes and the football program.
- The women's basketball head coach Shalon Pillow surprisingly resigned on July 7.
- Weeks ago, alumni questioned vice president and director of athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes about the school's future participation in the Orange Blossom Classic. Last week, reports had the university withdrawing from future Orange Blossom Classic games.
- On July 10, star defensive tackle Kamari Stephens decided to re-enter the NCAA transfer portal.
- The unauthorized rap video using the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell is the latest incident that Dr. Robinson, Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, and Willie Simmons must perform "damage control" amid preparing for the upcoming football and basketball seasons.
At the moment, only head football coach Willie Simmons has officially addressed the unauthorized shooting of the rap video. It's difficult to predict what's next for the Rattlers' sports department and football program once the university completes its internal investigation. Since Simmons has suspended football activities, the football team's preparation to meet Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sept. 3 will be on hold.
How will this latest controversy affect the football team if players are to be suspended ahead of meeting Jackson State? Could any suspensions harm the team's SWAC East Division title hopes? How will Skyes and Simmons handle the pending fallout?
We shall see.