Florida A&M University is in the spotlight after its Vice President and Director of Athletics, Angela Adams Suggs, surrendered to authorities on Monday, June 9, facing multiple charges tied to financial misconduct during her time leading the Florida Sports Foundation.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) launched an investigation in November 2024 following a referral from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General. That investigation led to Suggs’ arrest on charges including one count of grand theft, one count of organized scheme to defraud, and four counts of filing false travel vouchers.
According to FDLE, the violations occurred between 2020 and 2022, during Suggs’ tenure as President and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation — a nonprofit that operates as the state’s sports promotion arm. Investigators allege that she used a foundation-issued credit card for more than $24,000 in unauthorized purchases, including cash withdrawals, wire transfers, and casino expenditures. The transactions were allegedly misrepresented as meals or business-related charges.
Suggs surrendered to the Leon County Detention Facility Monday morning. Her bond was set at $13,500, and she was released shortly after booking.
In response, FAMU Interim President Dr. Larry Robinson issued a statement clarifying that the charges are not related to Suggs’ current position at the university. “Florida A&M University is aware of the charges filed against Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs,” the statement read. “These charges stem from her previous employment and not from her current role at the University. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and act accordingly.”
Suggs was appointed FAMU’s Director of Athletics in October 2024, less than a year ago. The university’s Board of Trustees had praised her extensive experience in sports management and her previous role as Commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Her hiring was seen as a strategic move as FAMU looked to strengthen its athletic brand and alumni engagement, particularly in football and track and field — two of its most storied programs.
Now, this legal situation could cast a cloud over those efforts.
For the broader HBCU community, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about leadership, transparency, and accountability. While these allegations don’t relate to her current position, any potential fallout could impact ongoing fundraising efforts, alumni trust, and student-athlete morale at FAMU.
As of now, there’s been no announcement of administrative leave or disciplinary action, but legal proceedings are expected to continue in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit. Suggs has not issued a public statement, and her legal team has not yet commented on the charges.