Angela Suggs, Florida A&M University's Athletics Director (FAMU), is currently in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Her promising start at FAMU has been overshadowed by legal issues stemming from her time at the Florida Sports Foundation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has unveiled details in an affidavit suggesting misuse of funds during her tenure as the President and CEO of FSF.
The FDLE alleges that Suggs used her FSF-issued credit card for personal expenses at casinos.
According to the investigation, from August 2022 to August 2024, Suggs allegedly charged $23,206.56 for personal casino expenditures. The affidavit highlights several incidents, including charges made during trips to casinos in Florida and Wisconsin, as well as a personal charge for hair and makeup services near Nashville.
Additionally, the affidavit suggests that Suggs instructed FSF staff to use electronic signatures for approving her travel documents, raising concerns about the legitimacy of those approvals.
Overview of Charges Against Suggs
1. Grand Theft: Suggs is accused of stealing between $20,000 and $100,000. This is considered a serious crime, known as a first-degree felony.
2. Scheme to Defraud: She's also accused of deceiving someone to take over $300. This is categorized as a third-degree felony.
3. False Claim on Travel Vouchers: Suggs allegedly made false claims on travel vouchers four times, which is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Specific Incident:
During a business trip to Las Vegas in August 2022, Suggs allegedly spent about $650 at Resorts World Las Vegas. She was reportedly seen gambling, and receipts showed cash withdrawals instead of business expenses as claimed.
Expenses Charged to Suggs' FSF Credit Card:
1. Las Vegas (2022):
- August 16: $536.99
- August 18: $112.99
2. Seminole Hard Rock (2024):
- February 16: $539.75, $809.63, $431.80, $539.75, $539.75
- June 29: $539.75, $1,619.25, $1,079.50, $1,511.30, $1,079.50, $1,079.50, $1,619.25, $1,079.50, $1,511.30
- June 30: $1,079.50, $1,619.25
3. Potawatomi Bingo (2024):
- August 26: $801.45, $801.45
- August 28: $1,602.90, $1,068.60, $1,602.90
Total Expenses: $23,205.56
In response to the allegations, Suggs turned herself into the Leon County Jail and was subsequently released on bond.
Suggs admitted to a colleague that she used the wrong credit card for some purchases. In her statement on June 10, Suggs mentioned that the allegations are unrelated to her current job at Florida A&M University. She expressed her commitment to resolving these issues legally, appreciated the support she received, and acknowledged the distraction she caused.
Florida A&M University has placed Suggs on administrative leave with pay. Athletics business operations will be handled by Deputy Directors of Athletics, Travis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson, during her absence.
Angela Suggs' Career Journey
Angela Suggs has had an impressive trajectory leading up to her role at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Before stepping into the position of Athletics Director in October 2024, Suggs had already crafted a commendable professional footprint.
Suggs served as the President and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF). During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in boosting sports tourism and development across the state, helping to position Florida as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.
Her leadership was marked by strategic initiatives that drew numerous sporting events to the state, fostering economic growth and community engagement.
Her move to FAMU was seen as a significant transition, bringing her expertise and vision to one of the prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Her appointment was anticipated to bring a new dynamic to the university's athletic department, aligning with FAMU's broader ambitions for excellence in academics and sports.
However, the current situation casts a shadow over her recent appointment and the future of FAMU's athletic department leadership.
The unfolding events will be closely watched by stakeholders across the sports and education sectors, as well as the broader community interested in governance and accountability.
