HBCU coach reprimanded after offering former Florida QB commit who used racial slur

Albany State head coach Quinn Gray, who was introduced as the team’s new headman one week ago, is taking back an offer he gave former Florida QB commit Marcus Stokes.

Stokes was stripped of his scholarship back in November after a video he took of himself using a racial slur when singing along to a song in his car.

Gray said he gave Stokes an offer to Albany State, an HBCU, earlier in the week but is now retracting it after he was reprimanded by the school’s principal Marion Ross Fedrick.

The new head coach has since issued an apology on the matter. Read the full statement below:

“Let me start with a humble apology. An apology for not honoring the tradition and history of ASU and for letting many of you down.

“I didn’t uphold the Ramily standard that I know you expect. Please know that my decision to speak with a student that did not meet your expectations was unacceptable. I only wanted the best for our team, athletes, and institution when I invited the student to visit ASU. As I say to our players, “there is a consequence to every action.” The consequences of my actions brought pain to our University. I was trying to help a student get back in competition, and in my haste, I did not consider the impact the decision would have on all of you. Frankly, it wasn’t my place to use ASU as the platform for redemption in this case. I regret that I used flawed judgment. If given the opportunity, I will do better.

“ASU expects excellence. The president has made it clear that my actions did not meet that standard. It was never my intent to misrepresent what ASU stands for nor to ignore the rich history of this institution. I am fully committed to the University’s mission of supporting academic excellence and student success.

“Being accepted into the Ramily is something that you have to earn. The Ramily embodies the spirit, authenticity, and love forged from the toil of giants before me. My actions caused you to question my commitment to our institution and our ancestors. As the consequences go, I hope to find a way back into the Ramily.

“Without a doubt, I will be all in. Go Rams.”