Protesting Bethune-Cookman Students Demand University Leaders Resume Negotiations With Ed Reed

Bethune-Cookman football players have started a petition to reinstate Reed as the program’s head coach after the former NFL star announced the school had decided not to uphold his contract.

More than 20 players had signed a petition calling Reed’s dismissal “unjust,” according to a photo posted on Twitter by Wildcats running back Branden McDonald.

“We firmly believe that the abrupt dismissal of our newly hired head coach Ed Reed is unjust not only to the student-athletes but to the entire BCU family, community and does not align with our founders’ legacy,” the players said in their petition statement, SI reports.

#Hailwildcats🐯 pic.twitter.com/ePhgwZz0Xi

— Branden McDonald (@Branden5mc) January 22, 2023

In an emotional speech on Saturday, he announced the school would not employ him. This comes about a week after being criticized for his remarks toward the Florida HBCU.

Reed took to social media to announce the university would not be ratifying his contract despite an earlier agreement between the parties. He later said on Instagram that he was being rejected against his will.

Students are taking their voices to the street. pic.twitter.com/oqrcLnyTEO

— Dave Puglisi (@DavePuglisiTV) January 23, 2023

Along with the statement, a video of Reed’s impassioned address to recruits, players and parents, also streamed on social media, shows a tearful Reed expressing frustration that the decision was not his. He was furious and tried to reassure the students and their parents that he would never leave them because he genuinely loved them immensely.

Damn ed reed went off on Instagram Live after he was notified by Bethune-Cookman that he will no longer be the Head Coach 🤯🤯🤯🤯

Deion Sanders even joined the Instagram Live & told Ed reed he’s praying for him 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/fvbQ0IbzFy

— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) January 21, 2023

“We’ve been around here trying to change things,” Reed said. “My vision for change probably moving too fast for a lot of people. I’m not withdrawing my name, as they said. They don’t want me here. They do not want me here because I tell the truth.” 

He continued his rant with great vehemence and hurt at their decision.

“M—–f——!! Ya I cursed!” Reed frustratedly yelled.  

“And no, I don’t want to leave,” he continued. “And like I told y’all, I want all of you recruits. But they got some corrupt people in this world, some evil people that don’t care about kids like I do. So I want y’all to hear the truth from me. I ain’t withdrawing my name!” he continued.  

On Dec. 27, ESPN revealed that Bethune-Cookman and Reed had “entered an agreement in principle” for Reed to become the school’s 16th head football coach. Former head coach Terry Sims was let go at the end of November after consecutive losing seasons.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer sparked controversy when he complained on social media that his office was not cleaned before he arrived, prompting the decision not to ratify Reed’s contract. Additionally, he spoke out about all the cleaning he had to do along with the football team on the campus before his contract even started.

Ed Reed is not happy with all the trash littered at Bethune Cookman

“I’m waking out here with the football team picking up trash.”

“I should leave! I’m not even under contract yet”

“They didn’t even clean my office when I got here!”

pic.twitter.com/InyL0yiBcH

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 16, 2023

Reed has deleted the videos and issued an apology to the HBCU and its supporters, as Blavity previously reported. Reed’s Instagram Live viewers believed he unfairly stereotyped all HBCUs.

To my #bcu family and supporters #hailwildcats pic.twitter.com/4mFMvucuiX

— Ed Reed (@TwentyER) January 16, 2023

“In regards to my social media and comments about the University, staff, and other institutions, I would like to sincerely apologize to all BCU staff, students and alumni for my lack of professionalism,” he tweeted. “My language and tone were unacceptable as a father, coach, and leader. My passion for our culture, betterment, and bringing our foundation up got the best of me, and I fell victim while engaging with antagonists on social media as well.”

In hiring Reed, BCU hoped to replicate Jackson State’s success after hiring Deion Sanders as head coach. 

According to News One, while Reed was giving his speech from the podium, Sanders, his longtime friend who now coaches Colorado, called to offer his support and encouragement toward the end.