In news that can only be described as “IKYFL,” a college football game between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Alabama State University took an interesting turn thanks to a shocking phrase that was blasted for all fans to hear. Footage of the ordeal has now gone viral and believe us when we tell you, folks online are going off about it! Let’s get into it.
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Things all went down during the game between the aforementioned colleges this past weekend. When halftime came around, Alabama State’s Honey Beez–their popular plus-sized dance team took to the field to perform alongside the Mighty Marching Hornets. And while that in an of itself was unproblematic, where things took a turn is when after the Honey Beez performed, FAMU announcer Joe Bullard uttered a single sentence that elicited immediate boos and anger from the crowd.
“Congratulate them, they’re now the new face of Ozempic,” the announcer said, referencing the popular weight loss drug.
The comment was utterly trash and mean-spirited given the fact that the team is full of plus-sized women. There’s no world where openly fat-shaming someone and talking about women’s bodies in a derogatory way is OK so the fact that this announcer thought it was cool to make a comment of that nature is extremely problematic.
Not too long after the incident, ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr put out a statement, saying in part: “While we recognize the spirit of competition, there is no place for disparaging and demeaning remarks directed at our scholars…to have their artistry disrespected after such a performance is unacceptable.”
FAMU President Marva Johnson also issued a statement writing in part that she wanted to “reaffirm that such comments are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Florida A&M University is taking immediate steps to ensure accountability within our organization and to prevent incidents like this in the future.”
But perhaps no one’s words were louder than the folks on social media who were quick to express their disappointment in the announcer being so blatantly fatphobic and the way things transpired.
“Fatphobia being publicly accepted by people is why the announcer felt compelled to make the comment about their weight as a ‘joke.’ he didn’t expect that response. start calling these people out!!!” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
“I knew one day that the FAMU announcer would get called out. I’ve been to enough of their games to know that he’s come really close to being funny or being a jerk/inappropriateness,” said another.
One user called for Bullard’s firing, writing online: “I just seen what the FAMU announcer said that was rude and uncalled for hope they fire that ass.”
Added another user, “Tired of old a*s folks feeling the need to speak down on the younger generation, especially these old a*s men. FAMU’s announcer had no business speaking on the Honeybeez like that.”
Bullard himself has since come out and apologized, acknowledging that while “friendly competition and playful jesting” has been a part of HBCU culture for years, he realizes that his words crossed a line. He also made it clear that his intention wasn’t to belittle or disrespect anyone.
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