A day after football activities were suspended following the revelation that a music video was produced and filmed inside the Florida A&M football locker room without school authorization, head coach Willie Simmons indicated that he and university officials are still trying to piece together what happened.
Simmons told The Tallahassee Democrat on Saturday that a team meeting will be scheduled Monday, a day before FAMU football is expected to be part of SWAC Media Day on Tuesday, to gather additional information into how and why the rap video featuring Florida artist Real Boston Richey wearing FAMU paraphernalia came to be.
In a statement released by Simmons on Twitter late Friday, the coach explained that the music video “is not consistent with [FAMU]’s core values, principles and beliefs” and could breach the school’s licensing agreements.
“We are trying to talk to the right people to do everything not only to cover ourselves but the young man in the video,” Simmons told the newspaper. “There are some legal issues.”
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 how many current players were in the video, though several could be seen in the background.
— Tiffani-Dawn (@Tiffani_Sykes) July 23, 2023
FAMU President Larry Robinson said he is aware of the video and has asked for “an immediate investigation” into the matter.
— Florida A&M University (@FAMU_1887) July 22, 2023
“As a leader of young men, I am charged to put them in the best positions to be successful and discipline them when needed,” Simmons explained. “I am disappointed anytime something puts a negative light on a great institution and our football team.”
The coach said he understands that “kids are going to be kids” but also wants them to be mindful of how their decisions could impact them and the university.
“We will make a determination to address those (involved) individually or the entire team,” said Simmons.
