By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports, Editor
By now, most readers have either seen or heard about the disturbing incident involving Tuskegee University menâs basketball coach Benjy Taylor, who was handcuffed and escorted off the court following the January 31 game between the Golden Tigers and the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in Atlanta.
According to reports, Morehouse football players infiltrated or joined the postgame handshake lineâan established tradition meant to symbolize sportsmanship and mutual respect. Coach Taylor immediately identified the situation as a safety and security breach, one that clearly violated SIAC conference protocol. He protested forcefully, demanding that the breach be addressed.
Instead of correcting the violation, game officials chose to handcuff Coach Taylor, seemingly concluding that his objections posed a greater threat than the breach itself.
Shortly thereafter, my close friend, former teammate, and fellow Tuskegee alumnus Thomas Ballard contacted me to ask if I was aware of the incident. Even without all the details, my initial reaction was straightforward: Was Coach Taylorâs conduct so egregious that it justified being handcuffed? Ballardâs response was immediate and unequivocalâabsolutely not. Coming from someone not given to theatrics or exaggeration, that assessment carries weight.
Here are the facts: No formal charges were filed against Coach Taylor. He was released from handcuffs and returned to Tuskegee with his team. Because his actions were motivated solely by concern for player safety, he has received full support from the universityâs administration and Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin. Coach Taylor has also retained a civil rights attorney to protect his reputation and interests.
The SIAC conference, along with representatives from both institutions, must address this matter with clarity, urgency, and resolve. Failure to do so risks future far-reaching and serious consequences.
This incident also fits within a broader, troubling pattern in sportsâparticularly when it comes to authority, accountability, and race.
The NFLâs Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations positions, should be radically redefined or abolished altogether. It has failed in its stated mission. Of the ten NFL head coaching vacancies this year, not a single Black coach was hired. The process has become little more than a âgood olâ boysâ network, mirroring American society at largeâdespite the fact that Black athletes comprise the majority of NFL players. The message is unmistakable: good enough to perform, but not trusted to lead.
When opportunities are finally granted, the margin for error is razor thin. Black coaches are often dismissed after one seasonâDavid Culley and Lovie Smith in Houston, Jerod Mayo in New Englandâor, at best, two, as was the case with Raheem Morris in Atlanta, despite a strong finish. He was replaced, notably, by Kevin Stefanski, who was afforded six seasons in Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals allowed Jonathan Gannon three years, and the Miami Dolphins gave Mike McDaniel four.
Quarterback decisions in Minnesota and Miami ultimately sealed the fate of minority general managers Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Chris Grier. The lingering question remains: did they truly possess full autonomy in those decisions?
Turning to the field, with Super Bowl LX upon us, I believe Seattle will defeat New England in relatively dominant fashion. That confidence is rooted in quarterback Sam Darnold, a formidable rushing attack led by Kenneth Walker III, a fast and aggressive defense, and head coach Mike Macdonald, a product of the Harbaugh coaching tree.
Finally, the fact that both New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and longtime head coach Bill Belichick were passed over as first-ballot Hall of Fame selections reeks of collusion rooted in past grievances rather than merit.
