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Tuskegee University men’s head basketball coach Benjy Taylor was taken off the court by police in handcuffs following the team’s road loss to Morehouse College on Saturday night.
Taylor and a police officer were caught on video during the handshake line between the two teams and they exchanged words.
While Taylor appeared to be frustrated about something and pointed around the gym, the officer clearly didn’t like what was being said and removed his cuffs.
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Tuskegee Golden Tigers head coach Benjy Taylor during the first half of the All Star-HBCU game against the Morehouse Maroon Tigers at Oakland Arena on Feb. 15, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
Taylor, 58, was arrested and escorted from court in a wild scene.
HBCU Gameday reported that Morehouse football players took to the field after the game ended in a loss for their basketball team, and Taylor confronted security about how to handle it.
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It was reported that the Morehouse football players entered the handshake line between the two basketball games.
Also, Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin said his head coach tried to ensure safety protocols were followed, especially given the rivalry between the two schools.
“You have to mix football players asking hands with the team,” Ruffin said. “You don’t…it’s a breach of security.”
Tuskegee Golden Tigers head coach Benjy Taylor celebrates after defeating the Morehouse Maroon Tigers during the All Star-HBCU game at Oakland Arena on Feb. 15, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
Ruffin added that Taylor asked the officer, “Can you please remove them from the line,” but was met with a hostile response from the officer.
Taylor told The Field of 68 what happened from his perspective.
“I am at a loss for words and I am sorry for how I was violated and treated today,” Taylor said in a statement. “For my players, my family and the people of Tuskegee to witness that is heartbreaking for me. I was simply trying to get the football team out of the handshake line when they were right behind me and the team yelling obscenities! It was a very dangerous situation.”
Taylor later had the handcuffs removed from his hands and was allowed to leave the arena with his team.
Tuskegee Golden Tigers head coach Benjy Taylor yells during the first half of the All Star-HBCU game against the Morehouse Maroon Tigers at Oakland Arena on Feb. 15, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
No charges were filed in connection with the incident.
Taylor is in his sixth season as head coach of the Golden Tigers. His team currently owns a 15-5 record (14-3 in conference) and a perfect 9-0 record at home.
