College football program suspends all activities over filming of rap video
By Paul Harvey
Published:
One college football program has suspended all team activities until further notice.
The announcement came from coach Willie Simmons, head coach at Florida A&M, late Friday evening. According to Simmons, the move to suspend all activities came after a rap video from a prominent artist was brought to his attention.
Simmons revealed the rap video was shot inside A&M’s football locker room at the Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse without prior authorization. He also said the language and content of the video were not consistent with the core values of the Florida A&M program.
Here’s Simmons’ statement on the matter:
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-Powell 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 expressions, 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.
As of now, Florida A&M’s season opener is slated for Sunday, Sept. 3 vs. Jackson State. That leaves more than enough time to sort this matter out and be ready for Week 1, but any missed practice and development time is critical at this point in the year.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
