FAMU trustees delay approval of multi-year contract for new men's basketball coach

Yesterday, the FAMU Board of Trustees decided to delay the approval of a three-year contract for the new head men's basketball coach, Patrick Crarey II. This decision comes as the trustees seek more information regarding allegations that Crarey abruptly dismissed players last year's squad without proper process and their need to further information around the scope of his current volunteer employment agreement with the university. 

The trustees' decision comes at a critical juncture for the FAMU men's basketball program, which had hoped to secure stability with the appointment of Crarey. In the interim, FAMU President Larry Robinson has been granted the authority to offer Crarey a one-year employment contract. This temporary arrangement is expected to be in place until the board reconsiders the multi-year contract proposal at its August meeting.

 

Mens basketball add four new players to roster

Meanwhile, the FAMU men's basketball team has been busy strengthening its roster for the 2024-25 season. The team announced the addition of four new players, all junior college transfers: Jamine Charles, a 6'11" forward from Blinn Junior College; Lenard Taylor, a 6'2" guard from Clarendon College; Kaleb Washington, a 6'8" guard from Butler Community College; and Tyler Shirley, a 6'8" forward from Clayton State. These new recruits are expected to bring a much-needed boost to the team's competitive edge.

AD Sykes again under fire

The delay in contract approval has also brought attention to the tenure of embattled Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, who has faced criticism for her handling of the situation. Sykes, who has been in her role for 1.5 years, has been accused of not providing adequate due diligence in the onboarding process for the new coach. Her failure to discuss Crarey's contract with the board prior to the meeting led to a series of questions and frustrations from board members.

Sykes has consistently been a liability for president Robinson’s administration by staying in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The situation has not been helped by Sykes' recent run-in with a donor at the NAA convention, which has drawn the ire of alumni and further highlighted the need for a more experienced hand at the helm of the athletic department.

Sykes' inability to raise funds has also been detrimental to her success. This past October, she abruptly ended FAMU's relationship with Peak Sports Management the outside entity charged with bringing new sponsorship opportunities and selling and managing all advertising inventory for the FAMU athletic department, including digital, venue signage radio collateral and game sponsorships.   Sykes' attempts to replace them with a more lucrative contract has so far yielded nothing.