Florida A&M University's athletic director, Angela Suggs, was arrested on Monday, June 9, 2025, on charges of fraud and theft. The allegations stem from her alleged misuse of a corporate credit card for personal expenses totaling over $24,000 during her tenure as CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation.

Details of the Allegations

Suggs, 55, surrendered herself and was booked at the Leon County Jail. She was later released on a $13,500 bond. The charges against her include two felonies: grand theft and scheme to defraud, along with four misdemeanor counts of false claims on travel vouchers.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Suggs made wire transfers, cash withdrawals, and personal purchases at casinos during business trips. The investigation began in November 2024 after the FDLE received a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce's Inspector General.

Audit Findings

An audit of Suggs' business credit card purchases revealed that she falsified travel vouchers by coding unauthorized charges as meals. When questioned, Suggs claimed some charges were for business meals and others were accidental. However, she failed to fully repay the Florida Sports Foundation for her personal expenditures.

FAMU's Response

Timothy Beard, FAMU's Interim President, stated that the university is aware of the allegations but emphasized that they are unrelated to her duties at FAMU. "We are monitoring the situation and will respond appropriately in the future," Beard said.

Impact on NCAAM

This scandal comes at a critical time for Florida A&M's athletic department, which recently hired Charlie Ward, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner, as the men's basketball coach. The allegations against Suggs could potentially overshadow the team's upcoming season and affect the university's reputation in the NCAAM community.

Legal Proceedings

As of now, no attorney is listed in jail records for Suggs. The legal proceedings will likely draw significant attention, given her high-profile position and the nature of the charges.

Conclusion

The arrest of Angela Suggs raises serious questions about financial accountability in collegiate sports administration. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to see how Florida A&M University navigates this challenging period and maintains its standing in the NCAAM.