Two Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) student-athletes are facing fines and a six-month suspension from the college. This disciplinary action follows an incident where a toilet overflowed in a dorm suite on August 2.
Abdoulaye “Doulie” Konate, one of the athletes, spoke with WINK News about the situation. Konate said FSW claimed the toilet was clogged and required professional repair. He explained his actions during the incident.
“I just lifted the float, and I just left it there. And then the water stopped. So the whole situation was done with, I felt like I did what I had to do,” said Konate.
James Muwakkil, president of the Lee County NAACP, expressed concerns about the suspension.
“It was three student athletes in room Suite 226. And they were the ones who were to blame; the Caucasian gentleman was not,” said Muwakkil.
WINK News reached out to FSW for clarification on the disciplinary action and the NAACP’s claims of racial bias. We are waiting to hear back.
The school’s athletic department confirmed that the issue is related to conduct and not the athletes’ status as student-athletes.
WINK News reached out to the other athlete, Jeremy Innocent, who the NAACP says is also being suspended. We are waiting to hear back.
The Lee County NAACP plans to protest outside FSW on Thursday at noon, urging the school to re-evaluate its disciplinary process.
Florida SouthWestern State College did not comment on the specifics of the case due to federal laws and internal procedures. The college emphasized its commitment to maintaining an environment that fosters learning and personal development.
They shared this statement with WINK News,
“Due to federal laws, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as FSW’s internal operating procedures regarding student records, the college does not comment on specifics of any student conduct cases. Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to maintaining an environment that fosters learning and personal development. All members of the Florida SouthWestern State College community are responsible for their own behavior and are expected to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the College. Students are expected to uphold these standards of behavior and to respect the rights of others. In every case, the college follows a rigorous process, outlined in our Student Code of Conduct, designed to provide due process and a fair, impartial hearing of alleged violations of community standards.”