Recently HBCU Albany State University offered a full scholarship to Marcus Stokes, a four-star quarterback who lost his scholarship at the University of Florida for using the n-word.
Now the head coach is apologizing for making the offer in the first place.
We reported that back in November the quarterback filmed himself singing song lyrics that contained the N-word in a car that cost him his education at UF.
People were upset that Albany chose to give a scholarship to the football player considering the circumstances, and others said it was selective outrage, and that his attendance would have been a good thing.
According to BET the head football coach at Albany State University, a historically black university, issued an apology Friday for extending a scholarship offer to a four-star high school quarterback recruit.
Quinn Gray, Sr., Head Football Coach for Albany State University, said in a lengthy statement, “Let me start with a humble apology. I apologize for not honoring the tradition and history of ASU and for letting many of you down.
“Please know that my decision to speak with a student that did not meet your expectations was unacceptable,” he continued.
“I only wanted the best for our team, athletes, and institution when I invited the student to visit ASU…I was trying to help a student get back in competition, and in my haste, I did not consider the impact the decision would have on all of you…My actions caused you to question my commitment to our institution and our ancestors. As the consequences go, I hope to find a way back into the Ramily.”
I don't understand what the issue here is. The whole point of HBCU's are to educate people on our history and what we represent. How the hell is this not a perfect opportunity to teach a kid something??
— Jay (@1humbl_beast) January 27, 2023
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The problem here is this should never have been an “offer.” If buddy had genuine interest in ASU, he could enroll as a student, walk on and earn a place at the table. Critical thinking leads to effective decision making. Did he visit? Has he applied for admission?
— Etoya R. White (@EtoyaWhite) January 27, 2023
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No apology was necessary here. Allow that man to build his team and educate the young men that are a part of it. I’d bet most of the people that complained use derogatory words themselves. Furthermore, I’d bet most of the players do too ? education is the key.
— Earl Hankerson (@Hankersone) January 28, 2023
and
Interesting that ASU thinks it's best for a kid who rapped the n-word to lose the opportunity to grow at an hbcu
— Phil Surles 〽️ (@philsurles) January 30, 2023
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So desperate to have someone on that terrible football team that coach overlooked the backlash the school was gone get LMAOO, desperate.
— sunjae._ (@sunjae24) January 28, 2023
I with you coach. The kid was going along with lyrics to a song…quite different from racist statements. If we want to attack someone it should be the industry for allowing these lyrics in the first place…coach you were just trying to do what we asked for; WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/8S0n0X2TCp
— Charles Acree (@emakulat29) January 29, 2023
Despite Stokes losing the offer from Albany State University, he tweeted there is interest from Alabama A&M and West Florida.
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