FAMU Clears Football Team to Resume Activities After Unauthorized Video (1343 hits)
Florida A&M's football team has been cleared by the university to return to football-related activities Tuesday, but the investigation into an explicit rap video filmed in the Rattlers locker room is ongoing.
Rattlers Vice-President and Director of Athletics Director Tiffani Dawn-Sykes announced the decision on social media Monday afternoon.
Sykes said the investigation into the unauthorized video that was partially filmed in FAMU's football locker room and released on social media last Friday by a local up-and-coming rapper is being led by the University's Office of Compliance and Ethics.
The announcement included no mention of discipline and did not explain why the administration was resuming football activities three days after the suspension. But Sykes promised transparency into how the football locker room was accessed for filming of the video, and the use of licensed FAMU apparel that violates agreements.
"Since this is an ongoing investigation, no further comment can be shared at this time," Sykes said in her statement.
"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."
Coach Willie Simmons met with his team Monday to gather more information on the release of an unauthorized rap video. Simmons suspended all football-related activities late last Friday following the release of the rap video filmed in the team locker room that contained explicit lyrics.
Tallahassee artist Real Boston Richey posted a two-minute music video for his song, 'Send A Blitz,' on YouTube last Friday afternoon.
A portion of the music video was recorded inside FAMU's locker room and included FAMU football players. FAMU signage and apparel with the Rattlers logo clearly visible. Some people, including Richey, also wear FAMU football game helmets in the video
The artist did not mention FAMU, education or the Rattlers' football team in the video.
The drama surrounding FAMU expects to be discussed at Tuesday's SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama. (The Democrat's Gerald Thomas will be on site to provide live coverage). FAMU will participate as scheduled starting at 11 a.m. (EST). Simmons will be joined by FAMU quarterback Jeremy Moussa and safety Javan Morgan.
The event will be streamed on ESPN+.
The Rattlers' offseason workouts, held five days a week over eight hours per week in accordance with NCAA rules, has featured weight training, conditioning, team meetings and drills.
