{"id":48341,"date":"2025-11-16T03:37:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T03:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/48341\/"},"modified":"2025-11-16T03:37:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T03:37:16","slug":"florida-am-ad-angela-suggs-reassigned-school-names-new-department-leader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/48341\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida A&M AD Angela Suggs reassigned. School names new department leader"},"content":{"rendered":"

Angela Suggs, who had been placed on administrative leave<\/a> since being accused of charging over $23,000 to her Florida Sports Foundation business credit card at various casinos<\/a>,\u00a0is no longer the school\u2019s athletic director, according to a report.<\/p>\n

Suggs is reportedly assigned as special advisor to new FAMU President Marva Johnson, according to WCTV in Tallahassee.<\/p>\n

WCTV sports anchor reported that John Davis will serve as the school\u2019s next athletic director starting on Jan. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n

Davis becomes FAMU\u2019s newest athletic director after serving as the Florida Lottery Secretary.<\/p>\n

\u201cI view collegiate athletics as a business enterprise evolving alongside professional sports,\u201d Davis said in a statement. To establish and advance a new trajectory for athletics at Florida A&M University, I intend to leverage the knowledge I\u2019ve gained from various roles, including my experience as a collegiate student-athlete and advising on NIL policies.\u201d<\/p>\n

But before he officially takes over, Michael Smith will continue to lead the athletic department as interim AD and assist with the transition.<\/p>\n

And with that announcement, FAMU has officially named their next athletic director: John Davis.<\/p>\n

Michael Smith will continue to lead the athletic department as interim AD and assist with the transition until Davis\u2019 official start date of January 5, 2026. https:\/\/t.co\/cYF736KzvA<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Alison Posey (@AlisonPosey14) November 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Johnson indicated that she was excited about Suggs\u2019 new role with the university.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite her legal troubles, Angela Suggs brings significant institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of FAMU\u2019s culture,\u201d Johnson told the Florida TV station. \u201cShe\u2019s back with us now as a special advisor to the president. I\u2019m excited to have the opportunity to draw on her experience, learn from her, and better immerse myself in the culture as I make decisions and prioritize opportunities for the organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

A probable cause affidavit filed in June detailed<\/a> allegations that Suggs misused funds from the Florida Sports Foundation during her tenure as President and CEO, submitting false travel claims and using foundation credit cards for personal expenses, including possible gambling at casinos.<\/p>\n

Details of the Allegations<\/p>\n

According to the affidavit, Suggs was accused of misusing the foundation\u2019s funds between August 2022 and August 2024. The report alleges she submitted false travel reimbursement paperwork to conceal non-FSF business expenses on 23 occasions, totaling $23,205.56.<\/p>\n

A state investigation began in November 2024 after a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce\u2019s Inspector General, stemming from an audit that scrutinized Suggs\u2019 business credit card transactions and travel reimbursements.<\/p>\n

Suggs\u2019 Response<\/p>\n

Suggs turned herself in to the Leon County Jail on June 9 and was released on bond that same night. In a statement released on June 10,\u00a0Suggs addressed the allegations in a social media post<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cI am fully committed to addressing these allegations through the appropriate legal channels,\u201d she wrote. \u201cI regret the distraction caused, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, fervent prayers, and continued encouragement I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The State Attorney\u2019s Office agreed to a deferred prosecution deal that allows Suggs to avoid trial if she completes a pretrial intervention program. The program requires her to attend gambling addiction treatment, complete a gambling addiction course, and refrain from holding any position with access to employer funds or credit lines for personal benefit, according to WCTV.<\/p>\n

Suggs must also pay $649.98 in restitution to the Florida Sports Foundation, the TV station reported.<\/p>\n