Final 12 months, quarterback Marcus Stokes was on prime of the world—a 4-star prospect, ranked 24th within the class of 2023, initially dedicated to play soccer for Penn State, earlier than switching over to the College of Florida in July. That is all got here crashing down in November after a video of Stokes, who’s white, surfaced on social media of him singing the n-word throughout a tune. Subsequently, the Gators rescinded his scholarship supply.
Stokes’ luck could be altering in 2023. He’s again within the headlines, however this time for receiving a scholarship to play at Albany State College, tweeting “Blessed to obtain my first HBCU supply to play at Albany State College! @CoachQGray @ASUGoldenRamsFB @Andrew_Ivins @CoachDrafts @NeaseFTBL.”
Then, later this week, Stokes obtained one more supply from an HBCU, this time from Alabama A&M.
Stokes has additionally revealed that he and his household are planning an official go to to Allen College in Columbia, South Carolina and a personal, traditionally Black Division II college.
After the racial slur incident, Stokes apologized, stating “I totally settle for the results for my actions and respect the College of Florida’s determination to withdraw my scholarship supply to play soccer.”
Earlier than being courted by HBCUs this 12 months, alternatives for Stokes floor to a halt, as different Energy 5 colleges echoed Florida’s withdrawal and ceased their recruitment efforts.
Stokes’ father Kevin mentioned about is son’s new fortune, “It’s very distinctive. Very fascinating…We didn’t count on this in any respect.”
Some would possibly contemplate it ironic and even inappropriate for Stokes to be given these alternatives after this gaffe, and plenty of have chimed in on this debate, together with HBCU Gameday.
The outlet weighed in:
HBCUs have given probabilities to younger males who’ve been accused of and even convicted of far worse than Stokes. His publish was problematic, however attending an HBCU could be simply what he wants to grasp why it was. He would have professors that might make him perceive — if he’s keen — why these phrases out of HIS mouth hit otherwise than out of the mouths of his teammates. (Who may in all probability use the identical lesson.) Sure, younger males that appear like Marcus Stokes get far more second probabilities than most. If HBCUs have the therapeutic powers we consider they do, the redemption of Marcus Stokes could be one other chapter in that guide.