Florida A&M suspends football activities after rap video filmed in locker room, cites image

Florida A&M suspends football activities after rap video filmed in locker room, cites image

Florida A&M has suspended football activities and banned players from the team’s facilities after some of those players were featured in an “unauthorized” rap video in the locker room.

A&M coach Willie Simmons told The Associated Press on Saturday that the team facility, weight room and access to the stadium field were off-limits to all players until he and the administration could sort out who was involved.

Simmons also posted a statement to social media on Friday.

“Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and support all forms of musical expressions, this football team (as ambassadors of Florida A&M University) has a responsibility to protect the University’s image,” Simmons wrote. “As a result of this unfortunate situation, as head football coach I am effectively suspending all football related activities until further notice. 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.”

The only exception for players to enter the facility is for medical treatment from doctors and athletic trainers, he said.

Simmons said they planned to meet with players who were visible in the video over the weekend and a team meeting is scheduled for Monday. The players were not immediately identified.

More penalties could come as a result of those meetings, he said.

The rapper in the video is Tallahassee native Real Boston Richey. Richey, whose real name is Jalen Foster, performed at Florida A&M’s homecoming game last season.

“The video contained graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles, and beliefs, and an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of not only the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell, but also licensed apparel that potentially violates university branding and licensing agreements,” Simmons wrote.

The SWAC will hold football media day on Tuesday in Birmingham.

Foster released a music video for his song, “Send A Blitz” on Friday afternoon, hours before Florida A&M suspended team activities. The video, which is seen above, includes scenes from Florida A&M’s locker room as well as school-branded apparel and equipment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.