FAMU lifts football suspension, video probe continues
Photo by St. Clair Murraine
By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer
A suspension of football activities at FAMU was lifted four days after a rap video featuring Real Boston Richey in an expletive-laced appearance in the locker room at Galimore Powell Fieldhouse.
Coach Willie Simmons announced suspension of football activities last Friday after seeing Richey’s “Send A Blitz” video, which was shot in part in the fieldhouse.
Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, FAMU vice president and Director of Athletics, on Monday said she’s lifted the suspension while an investigation continues into the incident. Sykes said her decision took effect on Tuesday, the same day that that FAMU participated in the SWAC Media Day.
Simmons also held a meeting with the team early last Monday.
“An investigation into the unauthorized video that was partially filmed in the football locker room is being led by the university’s Office of Compliance and Ethics,” Sykes said in her announcement on the university’s athletic site. “Since this is an ongoing investigation, no further comment can be shared at this time. In my role, I have been transparent with stakeholders and this time will be no different.
“I will make myself available for comment at the conclusion of the investigation.”
Quarterback Jeremy Moussa, safety Javan Morgan and Simmons represented the Rattlers at SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Ala.
The dust up cause by the unauthorized recording in the locker room is the second time in 11 months that controversy marred the start to the Rattlers’ football season. Last year several players threatened to walk out over compliance issues just before the week zero season opener at North Carolina.
Practice is scheduled to begin Thursday, with the season opening on Sept. 3 in the Orange Blossom Classic. FAMU will meet Jackson State in a game that will mark the Rattlers’ final appearance in the annual game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Garden.
The controversial video, which is just over two minutes long, features Richie in an orange polo shirt and some scenes with him wearing a FAMU football helmet. He was surrounded by several individuals, some resembling players on the football team.
Richey is no stranger to FAMU. He was a featured performer at FAMU’s homecoming last year. Richey, who grew up in Tallahassee’s Southside on Ridge Road, has risen in warp speed to become a popular rap star.
While officials have expressed concerns about image and branding damage, they also have to figure out how the breach happened and how it could affect licensed apparel.
That was one of the concerns that Simmons mentioned when he made his announcement on Twitter.
“Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and all forms of musical expressions, this football team (as ambassadors of Florida A&M University) has a responsibility to protect the university’s image,” Simmons wrote on Twitter. “As a result of this unfortunate situation, as head football coach, I am effectively suspending all football-related activities until further notice.”
The Rattlers hold the second longest home win streak in FCS football at 15 and ended last season with their third consecutive nine-win finish under Simmons, who took over the program six years ago.
