Next steps for FAMU athletics following Angela Suggs' arrest on fraud, theft charges?

Florida A&M athletics continues to deal with stability problems in the wake of a high-profile arrest.

On Monday, June 9, FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs was arrested in Tallahassee on fraud and theft charges dating back to her prior job. Before she joined FAMU in October 2024, Suggs was president and CEO of the non-profit Florida Sports Foundation since 2017.

Suggs, 55, was charged with falsifying travel vouchers totaling $24,000 in personal expenses on a work credit card when she visited casinos during business trips for the FSF, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement news release.

Previous story: FAMU athletics director Angela Suggs charged with theft from previous job, FDLE says

The university announced June 10 that Suggs has been placed on administrative leave with pay until further notice. A probable cause affidavit, which details the accusations against Suggs, was not immediately available. And it could take months for Suggs' case to play out in the criminal court system.

In a public statement posted on her Facebook page the evening of June 10, Suggs finally commented on the case against her, making clear "the charges recently brought against me (are) in connection with my previous place of employment."

She went on: "I want to make it clear that these matters are entirely unrelated to Florida A&M University or my current role. I am fully committed to addressing these allegations through the appropriate legal channels. I regret the distraction caused and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, fervent prayers, and continued encouragement I've received during this most difficult time.

"I remain focused, resilient, and committed to our shared goals and determined to fulfill our ongoing, planned, and collective success."

FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard said in a statement that the university was aware of the allegations connected to her work with a "former employer." Before the suspension, Beard met with Rattlers coaches and athletics staff at the Lawson Center. Suggs also was in attendance and spoke to the group.

For now, athletics business operations will continue under the deputy directors of athletics, Travis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson.

Glasgow is the university's deputy director of athletics & chief operating officer. Glasgow previously worked at FAMU and Kennesaw State under Milton Overton, who was FAMU's athletic director from 2015-2017 before hired in the same role at Kennesaw State.

Johnson is deputy director of athletics and chief integrity officer and joined FAMU in 2023.

With uncertainty again surrounding FAMU athletics, what does Suggs' arrest mean for the department? Where does the program go from here?

Will Angela Suggs arrest lead to further instability in FAMU athletics?

Suggs is the university's 11th athletic director, including interims, since 2009. While Suggs' arrest stems from allegedly using a business credit card for personal use at her then-job, her future at FAMU remains uncertain.

Consequently, the athletic department's instability at its top leadership position has hindered productivity and continues to cause concerns, according to alumni.

Former FAMU athletic director (2017-2019) and football star John Eason said he and the late Eddie Jackson, a FAMU alum, fellow Hall of Famer and founder and president of the 220 Quarterback Club who died in 2024, often talked about the athletic director's revolving door.

"Why?" Eason said. "Too many variables, too many to name. But the lack of stability, in my opinion, has hurt the university. (Athletes) look for a stable program, not only with the head coach and sport they are involved with, or want to be involved in. But with leadership within the athletic department as well."

Suggs turned herself in June 9 at the Leon County jail. She was released from custody on a $13,500 bond shortly after 2:30 p.m., court records show. She started at FAMU on Oct. 7, 2024 and replaced Tiffani-Dawn Sykes . Sykes resigned in August 2024 amidst a leadership change administered by Beard.

More: FAMU football coach James Colzie III grappling with roster decisions amid House vs. NCAA ruling

Angela Suggs has strong ties to Tallahassee community, FAMU

Suggs is a Tallahassee native who attended FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) and the university itself. She is a life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

Suggs made an immediate impact as athletic director with the hiring of Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward as the new Rattlers' men's basketball coach in April.

Ward, 54, was the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State and played in the NBA from 1994 to 2005. He previously served as the boys' basketball coach at Florida High and recently with USA Basketball.

Ward voiced his support, saying in a text to the Tallahassee Democrat that "God has us moving forward in a positive way, and we will support AD Suggs and her family during this process. She is a great leader and has done some amazing things to help build a bright future for FAMU Athletics. All we ask people to do is pray for her during this time."

Former FAMU football coach Rudy Hubbard was disappointed by Suggs' arrest but remains hopeful: "I was just bragging on Angela. She seemed to be a bright spot, coming in and making stuff happen in a short period of time. I hope it works out .... That (arrest) knocked a hole in me."

Vaughn Wilson is a former FAMU football player and athletics department employee who currently serves as president of the Eddie Jackson 220 Quarterback Club, the independent fundraising arm for FAMU athletics. Wilson said FAMU supporters are concerned by Suggs' arrest and the athletic department's unsettled situation.

"The only real stability in FAMU athletics over the last four decades was the service of Alvin Hollins in sports information and (coach) Veronica Wiggins in softball, and both have moved on," Wilson said.

"Other than that, the department has unfortunately been a revolving door, especially at the director position. There is no way for a department to be stable and to grow without a long-term plan and a good leader to see it through."

Vaughn added that "coaches have won despite all the changes around them."

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Does FAMU athletics need to fire AD Angela Suggs following her arrest?