Florida A&M head coach Willie Simmons has suspended all football activities after a rap video was filmed in the team’s locker room without permission, the coach said late Friday.
In a statement released by Simmons on Twitter, the coach explained that the music video featuring Real Boston Richey wearing FAMU paraphernalia accompanied by “graphic language that is not consistent with [FAMU]’s core values, principles and beliefs.”
— Coach Willie Simmons (@HCWillieSimmons) July 22, 2023
Said Simmons: ” Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and support all forms of musical expression, this football team has the responsibility to protect the university’s image.”
As a result of what transpired, Simmons said an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of the team’s facility to film the video called “Send A Blitz” and used FAMU helmets as props in it.
It is unclear whether any current players were in the video.
“Quick to swipe a up out my mix my windshield wipers onnn!,” Richey wrote on Twitter in promotion of the video. “Shout out skeebo we shot this video in less then 24 hours.”
Prior to the situation associated with Florida A&M, Richey, a Florida native, and The Freebandz rapper, most recently drew online criticism for a lyric in a song performed at the XXL Freshman cypher that was perceived to suggest incest.
He performed during Florida A&M homecoming festivities in 2022.
“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,” said Simmons.
