TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida A&M has barred its players from the team’s facilities after a rap video involving some Rattlers was filmed in the locker room without proper permission.
Coach Willie Simmons told The Associated Press on Saturday that the team’s facility, weight room and access to the stadium field are closed to all players until he and administration can clarify who was involved in the video shoot.
The only exception are players who need medical attention from doctors and sports coaches, he said.
Simmons said they planned to meet with players featured in the video over the weekend and a team meeting is scheduled for Monday. The players were not immediately identified.
“We will then decide if there is a need for tougher penalties,” Simmons told the AP.
The rapper in the video is Real Boston Richey, who hails from Tallahassee, where Florida A&M’s campus is located. Richey, whose real name is Jalen Foster, performed at Florida A&M’s homecoming game last season.
Simmons said he was made aware of the video posted to social media by the FAMU administration on Friday. He later announced the cessation of team activities with a tweet.
Simmons said in the post that while the team supports free speech and all forms of musical expression, the team has a responsibility to protect the university’s image.
“The video contained graphic language that is inconsistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles and beliefs, and an internal investigation is ongoing to determine who authorized the use of not only the Galimore-Powell athletic facility, but also licensed apparel that may violate the university’s trademark and licensing agreements,” Simmons wrote.
The Southwestern Athletic Conference will hold its football media day for its 12 members Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama. Simmons said Florida A&M still intends to participate.
FAMU athletic department spokesman Josh Padilla said quarterback Jeremy Moussa and defensive back Javan Morgan are expected to attend the SWAC media day and did not appear to have been involved in the unauthorized recording of the locker room video.
The Rattlers’ first practice session is scheduled for August 4th. They open the season on September 3 at home against Jackson State.
Simmons has gone 33-12 since taking office in December 2017, including three straight wins of the season with nine victories.