FAMU will formally appeal the sanction issued by the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) after the league suspended band announcer Joe Bullard and fined the university $10,000 over what it deemed “inappropriate and offensive” remarks made about a rival university’s dance team.
The controversy began when Bullard, made an offhand comment about the size of Alabama State University’s Honey Beez dance team during a pregame exchange — a remark many in the world of historically Black college and university bands dismissed as ill-advised but routine banter.
FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D., moved quickly to contain the fallout, issuing a public apology last week and vowing to take “corrective action.” Alabama State President Quinton Ross initially accepted the apology, but hours later posted a formal letter of complaint on social media and personally contacted SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland.
The conference responded days later with what many observers called a surprisingly harsh penalty: a two-game suspension for Bullard and a $10,000 fine for the university.
“The SWAC notice was issued just hours before FAMU’s response was due,” a university spokesperson said in an Oct. 2 email to the Tallahassee Democrat. “Now that we have provided our response, we will ask the conference to reconsider their position.”
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from some fans and alumni who see it as inconsistent with the conference’s history of tolerating — and even celebrating — the theatrical taunts and competitive bravado that have long been part of game-day culture among HBCU bands.
“When you’re in a kangaroo court, you shouldn’t be surprised if the treatment is unfair,” one longtime SWAC follower wrote on social media. “This wasn’t about justice — it was about making a point.”
That point, however, may say more about the SWAC’s recent efforts to tighten conduct standards than about Bullard’s judgment.
The Honey Beez, founded in 2004, are not a typical dance squad. Created explicitly to challenge stereotypes and celebrate fuller-figured performers — with a minimum weight requirement of 250 pounds — their presence has long been a statement of body positivity and pride.
"I believe the punishment was too severe," said nationally syndicated radio host Ricky Smiley, an Alabama State alum, in a facebook live video. "Joe (Bullard) is a good man, he meant no harm. And, I believe, the Honey Beez embrace their size."
“There’s a line,” said one former band member who asked not to be named to avoid worsening the conflict. “But let’s be real: people talk. Bands tease. It’s part of the show. Was it smart? No. Was it meant to hurt? I don’t think so.”
The appeal will test whether the conference is willing to recalibrate its response amid mounting pressure from those who believe the punishment does not fit the offense.
Neither Bullard nor representatives from Alabama State University responded to requests for comment. A SWAC spokesperson said the conference does not discuss ongoing disciplinary matters.