Florida A&M suspends soccer program after locker room rap video controversy

Florida A&M was down 20 gamers for final yr’s soccer opener and is likely to be down their total crew for this yr’s.

This system suspended all football-related actions on Friday night time after rapper Actual Boston Richey filmed an unauthorized video within the crew’s locker room containing express lyrics.

In an interview on Saturday morning, Simmons told the Tallahassee Democrat that it’s “too untimely” to speak about any potential fallout any additional till the crew has a “higher understanding” on precisely how the Florida A&M locker room was utilized for the music video.

“We try to speak to the proper individuals to do the whole lot not solely to cowl ourselves, however the younger man (rapper Actual Boston Richey) within the video,” Simmons mentioned. “There are some authorized points (with the discharge of the video).”

The video consists of a number of Florida A&M gamers, and options Richey carrying a Florida A&M shirt and crew helmets — which may violate licensing agreements.

“Earlier at this time, it was dropped at my consideration {that a} rap video was shot by a outstanding rapper within the soccer locker room of Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse with out correct authorization,” coach Willie Simmons mentioned in an announcement. “The video contained graphic language that’s not in line with Florida A&M’s core values, rules and beliefs and an inside investigation is underway to find out who approved using not solely the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell, but additionally licensed attire that violates college branding and licensing agreements.

“Though I’m a proud proponent of free speech and help all types of musical expressions, this soccer crew (as ambassadors of Florida A&M College) has a accountability to guard the College’s picture. Because of this unlucky scenario, as head soccer coach I’m successfully suspending all football-related actions till additional discover.

“It’s a privilege to put on the Orange and Inexperienced and as a soccer program, our younger males have didn’t reside as much as the usual set earlier than us. We are going to all study from this mishap and we’ll proceed to work onerous every single day to turn into one of the best model of ourselves and proceed to make Rattler Nation proud.”

Richey is from Tallahassee, Florida, house of Florida A&M, and carried out earlier than the crew’s homecoming final season.

Simmons additionally famous that he’s been involved with first-year Athletic Director Tiffani Daybreak Skyes.

“It’s FAMU, it’s our model, it’s our facility,” Simmons mentioned. “Youngsters are going to be children, however I’m additionally attempting to assist them perceive to be tremendous conscious of your involvement and selections. We are going to make a dedication to handle these (concerned) individually or all the crew.”

This isn’t the primary time FAMU has been in hassle forward of its opener below Simmons, the top coach since 2018.

Final yr, 20 gamers missed the sport towards North Carolina resulting from varied eligibility points, with FAMU dressing simply seven offensive linemen. On the time, Simmons mentioned gamers initially didn’t wish to play the sport — which they went on to lose 56-24 — however modified their minds.

Florida A&M opens the season towards Jackson State on Sept. 3.