Tuskegee Basketball Coach Handcuffed After Post-Game Security Breach
Tuskegee men's basketball coach Benjy Taylor is contemplating legal action following a distressing incident where he was handcuffed and escorted off the court at the conclusion of his team's defeat to Morehouse College on Saturday. The confrontation arose from a dispute concerning the postgame handshake line, which escalated into a significant security concern.
Security Protocols Breached During Handshake Line
Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin emphasised that Taylor was attempting to ensure proper protocols were observed when Morehouse football players unexpectedly joined the basketball players in the traditional postgame handshake line. Ruffin explained to HBCU Gameday that such intermingling represents a clear security breach, as established measures are in place to protect officials, student athletes, coaches, and spectators. He stated, "You don't do that ... that's a security breach," highlighting the potential risks involved.
Coach's Attorney Details Aggressive Behaviour
Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, showing Taylor visibly animated but not physically aggressive before being handcuffed by a police officer and removed from the court. According to Taylor's attorney, Gregory Reynald Williams, the coach was primarily concerned about a group of Morehouse football players who were acting aggressively towards the Tuskegee players and their parents, creating a volatile situation.
Taylor Expresses Humiliation and Heartbreak
After being released, Taylor rejoined his players as they exited the arena and shared his profound humiliation with The Field of 68. He expressed being at a loss for words and upset about how he was violated and treated, stating, "For my players, my family and people of Tuskegee to witness that is heartbreaking for me." Taylor clarified that he was simply trying to remove the football team from the handshake line as they followed behind, yelling obscenities, which he described as a very dangerous scenario.
Legal Team Considers Civil Lawsuit
Williams confirmed that Taylor and his legal team are evaluating whether to pursue a civil lawsuit over the incident. He defended Taylor's actions, saying, "Coach Taylor is a good man who did the right thing to protect his team and deescalate a dangerous situation and this officer put him in chains for his troubles." This potential legal action underscores the serious nature of the event and its implications for coach safety and protocol enforcement.
Background on Coach Taylor's Career
Benjy Taylor, aged 58, has served as the Tuskegee coach since 2019, bringing experience from previous coaching roles at Hawaii and Chicago State. This incident has cast a shadow over his tenure and raised questions about security management in college sports settings.
