Back on Friday, Nov. 7, the newly formed trustees Athletics
Oversight Committee took the unusual step of approving a motion declaring that
it had “no confidence” in Winslow’s ability to perform his duties. The full
board will consider the “no confidence” vote and other concerns about the
department on Monday.
Winslow angered many FAMU alumni months ago when he described
the athletics department with statement: “It can’t be fixed. Tear it down,
start over build it the right way.”
“When you say a program needs to be torn down and rebuilt, I
think it’s clear that you don’t have an appreciation for the history,” committee
Chairman Kelvin Lawson told WFSU.
The AD’s apology statement referenced FAMU’s winning history
in sports, but did not specifically retract the claim that suggested the
department was not built “the right way.”
“When I was asked to assume the role of athletic director at FAMU, I came knowing it is an institution with a long and proud history of winning, a University with legendary athletic figures like Jake Gaither, Willie Galimore, Althea Gibson, and Bob Hayes,” Winslow said.
Winslow also upset a large number of FAMUans by firing Head
Football Coach Earl Holmes
during homecoming week and asking the student-athletes who complained to him
about Holmes’ termination: “Don’t y’all have a book to read?”
Those actions led hundreds of FAMU alumni and students to boo Winslow during the 2014 Homecoming
Convocation.
“We’ve seen everything that has unfolded these last
events…regarding the firing of the coach, everything with Kellen Winslow’s acts
and performance at convocation,” said Student Body President Tonnette Graham,
who voted in favor of the committee’s “no confidence” motion.
“Upon my arrival, it was evident that we had numerous issues
that required immediate attention and I focused my energies on addressing those
issues,” Winslow added in his
apology statement. “Acting with the best of intentions and my zeal for positive changes,
some of my actions were conveyed in a manner that were inconsistent with my
goals and objectives and offended some members of the Rattler Community. To
those I have offended, I offer my sincerest apologies.”
The apology did not specify that Winslow was sorry for the
timing of Holmes’ firing or the “Don’t y’all have a book to read?” comment to
the student-athletes.
Winslow said he will work to do better in the future.
“As we move forward, I pledge to be more mindful of my
actions, my method of communicating, the difficulty of change, and the concerns
of the FAMU family and supporters. I want to personally thank everyone who has
continued to be faithful to our athletic program and our student-athletes,”
Winslow said.