Tuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Arrested After Postgame Incident
Tuskegee University’s men’s basketball coach, Benjy Taylor, was involved in a contentious postgame incident over the weekend. The altercation occurred after a game against Morehouse College, drawing attention due to its seriousness.
Tuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Arrested After Postgame Incident
According to a statement from civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, tensions heightened when Morehouse football players displayed aggressive behavior towards Tuskegee players and their parents during the postgame handshake. The presence of these football players violated established security protocols mandated by the conference.
As the situation escalated, Coach Taylor requested a second officer to enforce these security measures. Unfortunately, the officer instead handcuffed Taylor and escorted him off the court. Although no charges were filed against him, Coach Taylor has retained legal representation, including Daniels and attorneys Gregory Reynald Williams and Gerald Griggs, to explore potential civil action.
Reactions to the Incident
Daniels criticized the treatment of Taylor, stating that it was inappropriate for a police officer to handle the situation in this manner. He emphasized that treating a respected figure like Coach Taylor in such a humiliating way was unacceptable.
- “It is absolutely disgusting,” Daniels commented, calling for accountability.
- He highlighted that Taylor is a role model, deserving of respect, especially in front of his team and fans.
Tuskegee University’s president, Mark Brown, and athletic director, Reginald Ruffin, expressed support for Taylor. They commended his dedication to the safety of his players and stated that his actions were aligned with the school’s values.
- The statement noted the failure of proper game-management protocols as a contributing factor to the incident.
- They confirmed that Taylor’s response was appropriate for someone in his position.
At the time of the incidents, Morehouse College had not released an official statement. The situation has sparked discussions about player safety and the appropriate enforcement of security measures during athletic events.