Florida A&M places Angela Suggs on administrative leave following arrest
Following her arrest, Florida A&M has placed Angela Suggs on administrative leave. Suggs faces charges of grand theft, scheme to defraud, and four misdemeanor counts for submitting false travel voucher claims, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Florida A&M alumna surrendered earlier on Monday and was released on a $13,500 bond shortly after 2:30 p.m., according to court records.
Per a statement by interim president Dr. Timothy Beard to HBCU Gameday, Suggs was placed on leave with pay until further notice and deputy directors of athletics Travis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson will run operations. Sugg's arrest and subsequent investigation and charges stem from her work with the Florida Sports Foundation, in which she served as president of the organization. The Florida Sports Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as the Sports Industry Development Division for the State of Florida.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released a statement detailing the scope of their investigation.
'The investigation began in November 2024 after FDLE received a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce's Inspector General with an audit of Suggs' business credit card purchases and corresponding travel reimbursements,' the statement read. 'The investigation revealed Suggs misused her FSF-issued credit card to make wire transfers and cash withdraws and personal purchases at casinos during business trips, totaling more than $24,000.
The statement continued, 'When asked about the unauthorized charges, Suggs claimed some were for business meals and others were accidentally charged to the business card. She failed to fully repay (the foundation) for her personal expenditures.'
In September 2024, Suggs was appointed Athletic Director at Florida A&M University, succeeding Tiffani-Dawn Sykes. A proud Tallahassee native and FAMU alum, Suggs has a longstanding connection to FAMU Athletics. Suggs recently facilitated the hiring of Florida State legend Charlie Ward to become the next basketball coach for the institution.
Related: Former HBCU basketball player passes away in tragic accident
Related: Doug Williams's son nabs NFL coaching job, continues family legacy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Bengals' Ted Karras wants Shemar Stewart to 'be smarter' after rookie bumped Joe Burrow
Shemar Stewart is still finding his way with the Cincinnati Bengals after a prolonged holdout that wasn't resolved until late July. On Wednesday, teammates delivered a pointed message to the first-round rookie defensive end on the need to properly harness his intensity in a practice setting. Stewart ignited a scuffle during practice when he bumped into quarterback Joe Burrow during a play. Right guard Lucas Patrick confronted the defender, with teammates quickly arriving to separate the two. We've got a scrum at #Bengals practice. Not sure what the cause was here, but after the first play of a 30 minute period of 11 v 11 scrimmage, the offense and defense come together for a scrum. Will be an interesting remainder of the period. Center Ted Karras, a 10th-year who has been a captain for all three of his previous seasons with the Bengals, said the offensive line was ultimately responsible for Burrow's well-being, noting, "We gotta be better up front." But he also called for better judgment from the No. 17 overall pick out of Texas A&M. Asked if he appreciated the edge Stewart brought to the defensive line, Karras said Wednesday, "Hell yeah. Just be smarter. ... Come on, man. That's all our hopes and dreams right there." Safeguarding Burrow has been a lofty challenge for the Bengals' maligned offensive line throughout the quarterback's five-year career. Cincinnati's offensive front ranked last in ESPN's pass-block win rate metric in 2024, and the two-time Pro Bowl signal-caller tied for fourth with 48 sacks taken. Burrow missed the final seven games of the 2023 season after suffering a torn ligament in his right wrist. With receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins re-signed to massive extensions this offseason, the Bengals are once again counting on Burrow to shoulder a heavy load and lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. FANTASY FOOTBALL: Is Ja'Marr Chase the No. 1-ranked wide receiver? Stewart, meanwhile, is expected to help revitalize the defensive front and made a strong early impression on teammates. "He's been making some plays out there for us," defensive tackle B.J. Hill said earlier in August. "He's a strong, physical, big-time athlete who can do a lot of things for us. Inside or outside. Glad to have him on our side. When he learns this defense, things are going to very explosive for our defense."
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
ICE Detains Woman in US for 17 Years Since Age 7 After Traffic Stop
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez, a 24-year-old Leeds, Alabama, resident and community advocate, was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a traffic stop by local police on the highway. ICE records reviewed by Newsweek show that she is being held at the Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana. Why it Matters Hernandez-Martinez has been described by friends and family as a counselor and organizer who worked with immigrant youth. She arrived in the United States at age 7 and was raised in Alabama, ultimately graduating as valedictorian of her high school class and later earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. She has her own LLC and also works at Birmingham-based ¡HICA!, a nonprofit that advocates for immigrant families, according to her brother, Dilan Hernandez, who spoke to The Trump administration continues to strongly enforce its immigration-based agenda, which it has touted due to large-scale decreases in illegal migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border since President Donald Trump came into office. The administration has faced pushback from portions of Americans who have questioned the tactics and end goals of such policies, including detaining and in some instances deporting non-violent and non-criminal immigrants. Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez, a 24-year-old Leeds, Alabama, resident and community advocate, was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a traffic stop by local police on the highway. Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez, a 24-year-old Leeds, Alabama, resident and community advocate, was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a traffic stop by local police on the highway. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images/ What To Know Leeds Police, in an August 8 Facebook post that includes dash cam footage, said that an officer in an unmarked vehicle observed a "young lady, who only possessed a Mexico-Issued Identification," who "was traveling at least up to 91 mph as recorded on the dash in and out of traffic and following too close." "Also, the windows are darkly tinted on the Honda that she was driving," the post says. "We have a duty to protect the public and must stop individuals who are recklessly driving on our streets and highways. We would not have stopped her or had any idea of our immigration status if she would have been operating her vehicle safely." Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin issued a statement last Thursday claiming Hernandez-Martinez's vehicle "came within feet of striking other vehicles and erratically changed lanes." Authorities said Hernandez-Martinez produced a Mexican identification card when asked for a driver's license, prompting federal immigration agents to arrive at the scene and take her into custody. Newsweek reached out Irwin and the department via email for comment. Irwin's recounting of events has been disputed by Hernandez-Martinez's family members, as well as Facebook users who commented on the police department's post and attached dash cam footage. "On the dash cam it was obvious that wasn't the case at all," her brother, Dilan Hernandez, told "My sister was speeding a little bit, but we feel that, under the circumstances, it wasn't fair at all." Facebook user Emily Barfield commented the following under the video: "This is exactly the video I was expecting. Where's the erratic driving? Where did she almost hit multiple vehicles? I see her switching lanes, with a blinker, to get over when you're pulling her over. Yes, oh so erratic." Newsweek reached out to Dilan via a GoFundMe contact form. Petitions And Fundraisers A petition "demanding the Release of Giovanna Hernandez" was started one week ago. As of Wednesday afternoon, it received more than 17,000 signatures. "Gio has no criminal record," the petition reads. "She has spent years working toward lawful permanent residency but, like many others, has faced systemic barriers and even been scammed during the process. Her detainment is not only legally questionable—it is morally wrong. "This is personal for us. Giovanna is not just a name. She is our friend, colleague, mentor, and inspiration. She represents everything we want in a citizen: integrity, compassion, hard work, and a deep love for her community. Deporting her would be a grave injustice not just to her, but to all of us who believe in fairness, opportunity, and human dignity." A GoFundMe was started six days ago by Dilan Hernandez, raising nearly $33,500 as of Wednesday afternoon. A post in a "Class of 2017" Facebook group includes former high school colleagues of hers coming to her defense. Shelby Luna, who said in the post she graduated one year before Hernandez-Martinez, said she graduated twice from Jacksonville State University—"both times with an exceptional GPA." She also served as a campus ambassador, resident assistant, and active participant in Delight Ministries, El Latido, and many other campus organizations and events. What People Are Saying Gina Martinez, the mother of Giovanna Hernandez Martinez, on Sunday to and aided by a translator: "I worry, if the judge does not set the bond hearing and up until the court date, and, obviously, she does get sent back to Mexico. All of our family is here, all of her siblings, she has built her education here, she has all of her friends here." Dilan Hernandez on his sister's GoFundMe page: "Not only is she an impeccable woman with a strong moral character, but she is also a distinguished professional. ... She takes pride in advocating for her community, and those without a voice. Now, its our turn to use our voices to fight for her and defend her." Carlos E. Alemán, CEO of ¡HICA!, in an August 7 statement calling for Hernandez-Martinez's release: "Giovanna is not only a trusted community partner, she is a role model. She brings purpose and heart to everything she does. Her contributions have touched families and young people throughout Alabama, and her detention is a painful loss for the entire community." What Happens Next Hernandez-Martinez is scheduled to appear in court on August 20, when her legal team and family are expected to seek bond. ICE custody and detention decisions and the court process will determine whether she remains detained or is released pending proceedings.
USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
Why Jon Gruden or Jimbo Fisher coaching in SEC sounds far-fetched
Jon Gruden says he'd "die to coach in the SEC." We must assume he's being hyperbolic, but the former NFL coach sounds serious about wanting to coach again – and wanting to coach in college. He's not the only former coach with an eye toward new opportunities. Former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher says he's up for a return to the sideline, too. This projects as an active year for the hot seat, so would either Gruden or Fisher be a worthwhile consideration for an SEC athletics director? That debate takes center stage on this edition of "SEC Football Unfiltered," a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, featuring hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams. Their verdict: Neither Gruden nor Fisher would seem particularly appealing within the SEC, although Toppmeyer offers one SEC school that might make some sense, depending on its level of desperation. Would Jon Gruden be a fit for the SEC? Toppmeyer: It's difficult to envision. First up, you have the problem of Gruden's NFL exit, which came after racist and homophobic emails he'd sent surfaced. The SEC generally offers a welcome mat for a disgraced coach to sportswash his image, but the juice needs to be worth the squeeze, and it's not clear Gruden would be. His career peak occurred more than two decades ago. At the end of his NFL career, he wasn't a good coach. Also, any school that hires Gruden must be comfortable with the coach becoming the story and the program taking a backseat. Not many SEC programs would be comfortable with that. Colorado's hire of Deion Sanders provides an example of a program allowing its coach carte blanche. The Buffaloes have reaped the rewards of hiring Sanders, but comparing Coach Prime to Gruden doesn't add up, either, because Sanders was coming off a successful stint in the FCS, while Gruden hasn't coached in any capacity in college since 1991. I could see Gruden connecting with boosters, and perhaps a school desperate to become relevant will roll of the dice on him. I just find it unlikely that opportunity would come in the SEC. Adams: Gruden's overall NFL record is that an of an average coach. His Super Bowl triumph gave him cachet. So did his stint on Monday Night Football. I don't question his hunger, but I do question whether any SEC program would feel so desperate as to take a chance on a guy who resigned from the NFL amid controversy, is unproven in college, and attained his career pinnacle before current recruits were born. That doesn't mean he couldn't get a college job. If, say, a Big 12 school becomes desperate enough and feels like it has nothing to lose, maybe Gruden's phone will ring. OK, but which SEC school would be likeliest for Gruden? Toppmeyer: I find it far more likely that, if Gruden lands a college job, it would be outside of the SEC. Forced to pick an SEC school where he could make sense, I'd offer Mississippi State. The Bulldogs previously hired Mike Leach, a coach with controversy in his past, and Leach remains the program's best coach since Dan Mullen. The program lost momentum after Leach's death in 2022, and if its latest hire of Jeff Lebby doesn't pan out, perhaps it would be willing to take a chance on someone outside of the box. Gruden would be the ultimate wild card. Adams: Mississippi State could make some sense. Also, if we're viewing this through a lens of, "Which program is desperate enough to do something wild?" then Auburn comes to mind. How about a Jimbo Fisher comeback in the SEC? Toppmeyer: We don't need to see the sequel. Fisher's best success came outside of the SEC, and, if he's to return, it should be outside of the SEC. His career résumé still looks good, but Fisher received everything a coach could want at Texas A&M and couldn't make it work. Fisher is just 59 years old, and he's got a national championship in his past. I'd bet on his career not being finished, but I don't expect his return to come in the SEC. Adams: Of the two possibilities, I think I like the idea of Fisher in the SEC even less than Gruden. Fisher's final few seasons with Texas A&M showed a coach who'd lost his touch, even with the school's NIL resources at his disposal. Gruden might be a major flop. Fisher already was at Texas A&M. Later in the episode ∎ The hosts weigh in on Alabama naming Ty Simpson its starting quarterback and what that means for Kalen DeBoer's second season. Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. John Adams is the senior sports columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. Subscribe to the SEC Football Unfiltered podcast, and check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
