Former NFL star and Hall of Famer Ed Reed’s recent exit from his position as head coach of the football team at Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) in Florida has caused a stir among students who are now calling for answers and transparency from the school’s administration.
As previously reported by Newsonyx, Reed announced his departure from the HBCU with a January 21 Twitter announcement just 25 days after being hired.
With great sadness… pic.twitter.com/bhcusZIsW9
— Ed Reed (@TwentyER) January 21, 2023
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Football Hall of Fame player Edgerrin James shared his thoughts on the University’s decision on Instagram,, writing, “Sometimes. We’re our own worst enemy. I hate for those kids not getting a chance to witness ‘What makes the great, GREAT…Your Vision and the outside support was about to have a greater impact than most realize. Shout out to @shaq and those other Billionaires you had ready to invest in your vision and build new facilities at Cookman.”
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The controversy surrounding Reed’s exit has also sparked a more significant issue on campus. On Monday, a crowd of students at Bethune-Cookman protested.
Bethune-Cookman students are protesting in support of Ed Reed and his comments about the facilities at the school. Students were chanting for administrators to step down @fox35orlando pic.twitter.com/RK7YPlHkLO
— Dave Puglisi (@DavePuglisiTV) January 23, 2023
Petitions have also been launched on campus to promote Reed’s return to the position.
“We firmly believe that the abrupt dismissal of our newly hired head coach Ed Reed is unjust not only to the student-athletes but to the entire BCU family and community and does not align with our founders’ legacy,” the players wrote.
#Hailwildcats🐯 pic.twitter.com/ePhgwZz0Xi
— Branden McDonald (@Branden5mc) January 22, 2023
The situation at BCU highlights the need for transparency and communication between the administration and the students, especially during challenging times. It also raises questions about the future of HBCU football programs and the support they receive from investors and the larger community.
