Tuskegee Coach Sues Morehouse and Officials for $1M
Tuskegee University basketball coach Benjy Taylor has filed a federal lawsuit against Morehouse College and two campus police officers, seeking over $1 million. The lawsuit, submitted on March 20, 2026, stems from an incident that occurred after a game between the two historically Black colleges on January 31, 2026, at Morehouse’s Forbes Arena in Atlanta.
Background of the Incident
Following the game, Coach Taylor requested assistance from Officer R. Clark to remove Morehouse football players who had allegedly harassed Tuskegee players and staff during the matchup. Taylor asserts that Clark failed to act on his requests, leading to a confrontation during the postgame handshake. Instead of addressing the situation, the officer placed Taylor in handcuffs and escorted him off the court. Officer M. Roberson allegedly assisted Clark during this incident.
Allegations and Legal Claims
The lawsuit outlines severe claims against Morehouse and the officers involved. It accuses them of “willful intent, malice, bad faith, and reckless disregard” for Taylor’s rights. Taylor’s attorney, Harry Daniels, describes the situation as an unlawful arrest that caused physical and emotional distress, resulting in financial losses.
Daniels has emphasized that the incident was not only embarrassing but could also have long-term repercussions for Taylor’s coaching career. Taylor was reportedly treated for elevated blood pressure due to the stress of the arrest, which he and his legal team argue was both unjustified and unnecessary.
Seeking Monetary Damages
In his lawsuit, Taylor is seeking damages exceeding $1 million. Facing negative publicity, Daniels noted that potential professional opportunities have already slipped away due to the incident. He stated, “We have to have redress for Mr. Taylor. We are absolutely seeking monetary damages in excess of $1 million.”
Impact on Professional Reputation
Daniels voiced concerns regarding the damage to Taylor’s reputation, emphasizing that searches for his name now reveal the arrest incident rather than his accomplishments in coaching. Taylor previously served as the interim head coach at the University of Hawai’i and is recognized for his contributions to mentoring young athletes.
In conclusion, the lawsuit highlights significant claims of misconduct and seeks to hold Morehouse and the officers accountable for their actions during a sensitive incident, all while striving for justice and professional rehabilitation for Coach Benjy Taylor.
