The NY Daily News reports, that a renegade faction of Florida A&M University's alumni association claims in a lawsuit it was hoodwinked by ESPN senior vice president Keith Clinkscales. The suit alleges that Clinkscales promised to use his corporate connections to help launch the Hip-Hop Grub Spot.
So the alumni group's investment committee lined up big-names to back the project - from NFL stars to music celebrities - only to have Clinkscales yank support last year, the suit charges.
The committee "continues to suffer irreparable economic losses," the suit claimed without specifying a dollar figure.
It also claimed its "reputation and credibility" were hurt.
The lawsuit itself, however, highlights a division within the alumni organization.
"The group that filed this lawsuit does not speak for or represent FAMU's alumni organization.
They, in fact, are no longer part of the association and have no right to file a lawsuit on its behalf," said Reginald Mitchell general council for the alumni organization.
A Jan. 26 letter from the association's new president said the alumni association would not support any civil lawsuit.
Clinkscales is a 1986 magna cum laude graduate of the school, a co-founder of Vibe magazine and an adviser to Pepsi.
Update FAMU professor listed as contact for Hip Hop Grub Spot
(click photo to enlarge)The website for the Hip-Hop Grub Spot includes the name, campus phone and campus email address of FAMU Hip-Hop Institute Director Kawachi Clemons. Clemons was listed as a contact for franchising, brand, and licensing inquiries for the company.
Check out the Hip-Hop Grub Spot's Myspace page
Interesting. Maybe Mr. Clinkscales should be in leadership of the NAA somewhere?
ReplyDelete*OT: What's going on with the FAMU Relays? Can we get the Spring Sports Festival back so that we don't have an EMPTY campus when we are "hosting" an event. Especially an event which can draw such a wide variety of spectators. Especially HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTS!
L-A-C-K-O-F-L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P
ReplyDeleteFoolishness at it's best!
ReplyDeleteOT: As a dues paying alum and booster, I am truly distress to learn of the action of this group. I don't know the particulars of the allegations, but I'm saddened because their action further highlights the divisions within our alumni organization and campus family. I was amazed years ago when I learned that there are two alumni chapters in Tallahassee, the second started because of in-fighting in the original. We don't have to worry about any outside forces destroying us; if we don't start working and planning together, we will do it for them.
ReplyDeleteWe need a new basketball coach
ReplyDeleteFrom the Hip Hop Grub Spot website:
ReplyDeleteFor all franchising and brand licensing inquiries or booking of any artists affiliated with Hip Hop Grub Spot please email info@hbcuentrepreneurs.com.
For Hip Hop Grub Spot franchising and brand licensing inquiries contact: Florida A&M University Hip Hop Institute Attn: Dr. Kawachi Clemons Ph.D Email: kawachi.clemons@famu.edu, Office Phone (850) 561-2798| Bayo Olorunto- Diddy/Sean John "I AM KING" Challenge Winner http://www.seanjohn-iamking.com and Hip Hop Grub Spot®- Co-Founder & Director of Brand Development Tel: (646) 492-4953 Email: bayoolorunto@hbcuentrepreneurs.com
Having the FAMU Relays during spring break is dumb. This is our opportunity to show off our universtity and we invite people to "our house" when nobody is home. I'm in favor of bringing back the Spring Sports Carnival. If we're serious about our track program, we will NEVER, EVER have the FAMU Relays during spring break again; we will upgrade our track surface, and for God sakes, PLEASE BUY A RACE CLOCK so that we can time our events. FAMU is the only track program in the country on any level that doesn't use a race clock. UNBELIEVABLE!
ReplyDeleteAlvin Bryant's legacy lives on . . .
ReplyDelete10:13, go sit. Details will come out soon. I know Dr. Clemons and I'm interested to hear his side of the story. New Coach Now for Men's basketball. I winder if the even knows about the players in the state. Did he go to the championship series in Lakeland? And where is Mr. MaGee already?!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you 2:46 p.m. and 9:56 p.m. I remember the Spring Sports Carnivals from the old days,the campus was full of people and the weather was usually very nice. After the games each day, we would stop by the caf and buy some of that good old homemade vanilla ice cream on a cone. lol
ReplyDeleteThe old days are over!
ReplyDeleteThe "old days" are over, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be able to enjoy some of the successes "today" that we enjoyed in the "old days".
ReplyDeleteSome of you misguided "new skool" failures may be able to learn a thing or two from us "old days" folks.
Wish I was as articulate as the last post, he/she said just what I would have if...
ReplyDelete