Florida A&M athletic director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes released a statement this week responding to claims from former bowler Shamoria Johnson who alleged her scholarship was pulled after she asked her coach to be excused so she could study for exams.
Statement from Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes on bowling:#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/RRuOTTazBs
— Florida A&M Athletics (@FAMUAthletics) January 20, 2024
In her statement, which was posted to X, Sykes acknowledged that in December of 2023 coach Capri Howard dismissed a student-athlete from the bowling team for reason supported by NCAA Bylaws.
”Though it’s always challenging to see our student-athletes dismissed, I support the decision by Coach Howard as the proper procedures were taken before dismissal," Sykes said.
Johnson said in an interview with Roland Martin that several bowlers walked out with her in protest of Howard's decision. Sykes said that those bowlers will still have their financial aid for the remainder of the spring semester.
