FAMU Football Will Play North Carolina Despite Missing 20 Players

The Florida A&M football team take the field Saturday night with only seven available offensive linemen and will be down 20 ineligible players.

“The Rattlers initially decided not to play after learning Thursday night that seven offensive linemen were deemed ineligible. With three others nursing injuries, the Rattlers have just seven healthy offensive linemen.”

With the game tonight, the team debated whether or not to play. They eventually decided that there was no harm in playing and an intent to get to North Carolina for the game tonight.

“The players didn’t feel comfortable playing under those conditions and they are all understandably frustrated with many of our internal processes in the certification process, so they decided not to play,” Simmons’ statement said.

“After a few more discussions with university leadership, including the president of the university, the players ultimately decided to play the game. I support these young men 100% in whatever they decide and I’m extremely proud of them for advocating for themselves!”

Florida A&M will receive $450,000 for playing the game, which is part of a weeklong celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities on UNC’s campus.