A college football announcer stunned fans over the weekend when he body-shamed an opposing school’s dancers with a joke about Ozempic.
Florida A&M were taking on Alabama State when the former’s longtime marching band announcer, Joe Bullard, was on the mic.
But he surprised fans when he tried to joke about the weight of Alabama State’s dancers, the Honey Beez.
‘Congratulate them, they’re now the new face of Ozempic,’ he could be heard saying in a video of the incident.
Fans in the stands audibly gasped at the remark, which Florida A&M President Marva B. Johnson soon apologized for in a statement.
‘The Honey Beez represent discipline, school pride, and their performance tradition is respected across the nation,’ she said. ‘To have their dedication and artistry diminished by a thoughtless comment does not reflect the values or the respect we hold for our colleagues at Alabama State University or for the broader HBCU community.
Announcer Joe Bullard was forced to apologize after joking about the weight of the Honey Beez
The Honey Beez dancers, seen above, are an institution at Alabama State University
‘I have spoken directly with [Alabama State] President Ross to convey my regret and to reaffirm that such comments are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Florida A&M University is taking immediate steps to ensure accountability within our organization and to prevent incidents like this in the future.
‘We remain committed to upholding the dignity and excellence that all HBCU institutions bring to the field, the classroom and the community.’
Bullard, who has been the voice of the Florida A&M marching band since 1975, also apologized on his private Facebook page, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
‘My comments directed toward the ASU Honey Beez were meant as lighthearted banter, but I now recognize that they came across in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful,’ he said.
‘For that, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt apologies: first and foremost to the ASU Honey Beez, to Alabama State University, to the Alabama State University Marching Band, to Florida A&M University, and to the fans and supporters of both institutions who were in attendance, or anyone else who heard my words. To anyone who was offended, I am truly sorry.’
He continued: ‘Friendly competition and playful jesting have long been a part of HBCU band culture, but I have come to understand that my words crossed a line. My intention was never to belittle or disrespect the incredible young people who represent our schools with such grace, talent, and pride. They are the embodiment of our culture, and they deserve nothing less than our full respect.’
In a previous interview with Andscape last year, Bullard admitted that previous comments have landed him in hot water.
‘I’ve had to give some apologies’ he said.
Alabama State won Saturday’s game 42-14.
