After receiving backlash, Albany State football coach Quinn Gray issued an apology on Friday for offering a scholarship to former University of Florida (UF) quarterback recruit, Marcus Stokes.
Stokes made headlines in November after a video of him using the N-word went viral on social media. Due to the controversy, UF promptly revoked its offer.
However, In a surprising turn of events, Stokes revealed that he received an offer from two HBCUs, Albany State University, and Alabama A&M . The former is now apologizing for “not honoring the tradition and history” of the school.
On Friday, Albany State head football coach Quinn Gray released a statement, apologizing for his decision to recruit Stokes.
Quinn called his decision “unacceptable,” and also revealed that he had a conversation with university president Marion Ross Fedrick about the matter.
“Dear Ramily, Let me start with a humble apology,” Quinn wrote. “An apology for not honoring the tradition and history of ASU and for letting many of you down. I didn’t uphold the Ramily standard that I know you expect. Please know that my decision to speak with a student that did not meet your expectations was unacceptable. I only wanted the best for our team, athletes, and institution when I invited the student to visit ASU. ”
“As I say to our players, ‘there is a consequence to every action.’ The consequences of my actions brought pain to our University. 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. Frankly, it wasn’t my place to use ASU as the platform for redemption in this case. I regret that I used flawed judgment. If given the opportunity, I will do better.”
“ASU expects excellence,” the statement continued. “The president has made it clear that my actions did not meet that standard. It was never my intent to misrepresent what ASU stands for nor to ignore the rich history of this institution. I am fully committed to the University’s mission of supporting academic excellence and student success.
“Being accepted into the Ramily is something that you have to earn.” Quinn said. “The Ramily embodies the spirit, authenticity, and love forged from the toil of giants before me. 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.”
Quinn was hired as ASU’s head coach at the beginning of the year and is a 2020 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and FAMU Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
Alabama A&M, who also offered Stokes a football scholarship, has not yet commented on their decision.
