Tuskegee Coach Files Lawsuit Against Morehouse College
ATLANTA — On Friday, Benjy Taylor, the head basketball coach for Tuskegee University, initiated legal proceedings against Morehouse College and two of its campus police officers. This action stems from an incident on January 31, where Taylor claims he was unjustly handcuffed and removed from the basketball court, resulting in both emotional and physical distress.
Harry Daniels, one of Taylor’s legal representatives, expressed that the coach has endured significant harm including financial loss, damage to his reputation, and emotional and physical injuries. The lawsuit is seeking compensation exceeding $1 million.
The suit identifies officers R. Clark and M. Roberson, alleging that during the basketball game, Morehouse football players were present at the baseline, taunting Tuskegee’s team. Concerned about potential escalation, Taylor reportedly asked for the removal of these players. The lawsuit claims that Clark, instead of addressing the situation, ignored the request, allowing the taunting to persist. Taylor was subsequently handcuffed and detained after pressing for enforcement of security measures required by the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Morehouse secured a 77-69 victory in the game.
No formal charges were filed against Taylor following the incident.
The SIAC, upon reviewing the events, imposed a fine on Morehouse College, citing a failure to meet necessary security standards for hosting events. Their statement highlighted deficiencies in crowd control and ensuring safe access for visiting teams and participants. The fine amount remains undisclosed, and Morehouse has been instructed to implement corrective measures to adhere to conference security protocols.
Despite these measures, Taylor’s attorney, Daniels, maintains that the coach has suffered extensive damage. He attributes Taylor’s stress, increased blood pressure, hair loss, and damage to his professional reputation to the incident, stating it will permanently affect his career. Daniels also noted that the ordeal has compromised Taylor’s ability to earn a livelihood.
Morehouse College has yet to provide a comment regarding the lawsuit.
