TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — UPDATE 9/2/2022: Florida A&M University president Larry Robinson announced on social media Friday afternoon that additional players have been cleared by the NCAA to compete for the FAMU football program.
ABC 27 confirmed that the players cleared to play are Cam Covin, Isaiah Land, BJ Bohler and Nicholas Dixon.
I can confirm that those players are Cam Covin, Isaiah Land, BJ Bohler and Nicholas Dixon. 🙌 @abc27 https://t.co/TxhhIcEFV8
— Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) September 2, 2022
FAMU head football coach Willie Simmons confirmed to ABC 27 Friday evening that the number of ineligible players is eight.
The university released a statement on the situation Friday:
The NCAA staff agreed to consider new information concerning the cases of four Florida A&M University football players, as opposed to an appeal, so that a decision could be reached sooner.
The staff determined that the students would be approved to compete, effective immediately, without condition.
“The nonstop work of members of the Office of Compliance and Ethics, the Athletics Department and Division of Academic Affairs was pivotal to this result,” said Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer Rica Calhoun.
The internal team made necessary arguments and provided additional documentation for reconsideration.
“We will continue to advocate for every student,” Calhoun said. “The NCAA has been a tremendous resource and partner in working with us through this matter.”
Interim Athletics Director Michael Smith said, regarding compliance, FAMU is moving in the right direction.
“The Athletics Department will continue to foster a more robust culture of compliance while maintaining the competitive spirit of our programs,” Smith said.
FAMU plays Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens Sunday.
INITIAL STORY
Some Florida A&M University football players have been reinstated to compete for the Rattlers.
The university confirmed to ABC 27 Wednesday the number of players that are not certified to play for FAMU against Jackson State University in the Orange Blossom Classic Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is 17.
GOOD NEWS: I have confirmed with FAMU that the number of athletes that are not certified to play Sunday against Jackson State has gone down to 17. @abc27
— Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) August 31, 2022
Last week, ABC 27 reported that at least 20 FAMU football players were ruled ineligible by the NCAA because of compliance issues ranging from academics to transfers.
Florida A&M University has pledged to provide additional academic support for football student-athletes.
