An HBCU football coach has apologized for recruiting a high school quarterback who lost his scholarship offer from the University of Florida after using the n-word.
On Friday (January 27), Albany State University coach Quinn Gray, Sr. issued a lengthy apology after extending a scholarship to four-star QB Marcus Stokes, who came under fire in November for rapping a racial slur, CBS News reports.
“Let me start with a humble apology. An apology for not honoring the tradition and history of ASU and for letting many of you down," Gray said in a statement. “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…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.”
In November, a video surfaced of Stokes rapping lyrics that contained the n-word. Stokes had committed to play at the University of Florida, but the school quickly rescinded its offer in the wake of the video.
"I was in my car listening to rap music, rapping along to the words, and posted a video of it to social media," Stokes said in a statement amid the backlash. "I deeply apologize for the words in the song which I chose to say."
Despite losing a second offer, Stokes tweeted last week that Alabama A&M and West Florida are still interested in recruiting him.
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