SWAC fines FAMU $10K, suspends Joe Bullard for next two football games after ‘inappropriate comments’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has fined Florida A&M University $10,000 and suspended band announcer Joe Bullard for the next two football games.

The public reprimand comes after Bullard made “inappropriate comments made over the public address system that occurred during Saturday’s football game against Alabama State University,” according to a Wednesday evening SWAC press release.

In a statement obtained by WCTV Tuesday afternoon, Bullard said his “comments directed toward the ASU Honey Beez were meant as lighthearted banter.” However, the band announcer went on to say he now recognizes how his remarks “came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful.”

Read Bullard’s full letter below:

The announcer’s apology comes just a day after FAMU President Marva Johnson also issued an apology.

Just hours before Johnson’s apologetic statement, ASU President Dr. Quint T. Ross issued a statement, calling the comments made during the halftime “absolutely unacceptable.”

SWAC acknowledged FAMU’s apology in its press release and said the conference hopes similar comments are not made again.

“Inappropriate conduct and invective language will always be met with strong action by the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the Conference Office will continue to uphold a zero tolerance for such behavior,” the press release said.

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