Florida A&M University has suspended all football-related activities until further notice after an unauthorized rap video was filmed in the team's locker room.
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Florida A&M University has suspended all football-related activities until further notice after an unauthorized rap video was filmed in the team's locker room.
As reported by CBS Sports, the decision came hours after the release of the video recorded by rapper Real Boston Richey and titled "Send a Blitz," which contains explicit lyrics.
In a statement Friday, sixth-year head football coach Willie Simmons expressed support for free speech but said the language "is not consistent with FAMU's core values, principles and beliefs."
"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," Simmons said in the statement. "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 a result of this unfortunate situation, I am suspending all football-related activities until further notice."
FAMU has launched an investigation into how the football locker room was accessed for filming of the video, which was posted to YouTube and shows Richey in the locker room wearing a Florida A&M shirt and donning the team helmets. According to Dean Straka of CBS Sports, several FAMU players appear in the background of the video.
While player appearances are not against NCAA rules, the unauthorized use of FAMU apparel and logos violates licensing agreements.
Richey, a native of Tallahassee, Fla., performed at the FAMU homecoming game last season.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported that Simmons called for a team meeting to be held Monday, saying it’s “too premature” to discuss further potential fallout until “we have a better understanding” on how the locker room was accessed for filming of the video and the use of licensed university apparel that violates agreements.
The Rattlers are slated to open their 2023 season Sept. 3 against Jackson State.
FAMU President Larry Robinson released a statement Saturday, as reported by the Democrat.
"I am aware of the unauthorized music video shot on our campus and I am asking for an immediate investigation to determine how it happened," Robinson said. "This video does not represent our core values, nor our commitment to 'Excellence with Caring' in all aspects of the University, including athletics."
