ATLANTA — Tuskegee University men’s basketball coach Benjy Taylor was escorted off the court in handcuffs following a game against Morehouse College on Saturday, an
incident that stunned players, fans and officials and prompted questions about security procedures and the treatment of coaches at historically Black colleges and universities.
The altercation occurred moments after the final buzzer at Forbes Arena, where Tuskegee and Morehouse had just concluded a tightly contested SIAC conference matchup. Witnesses said Taylor appeared to be arguing with game officials over a disputed call late in the game when campus security and local law enforcement intervened.
Video circulating on social media shows officers restraining Taylor near the scorer’s table as players from both teams looked on. He was later led through the tunnel in handcuffs while fans reacted with audible shock.
According to Morehouse College, security personnel became involved after what the school described as “a verbal confrontation that escalated into a disruption of postgame operations.”
“We are reviewing the incident in coordination with law enforcement and conference officials to determine whether proper protocols were followed,” the school said in a statement.
Tuskegee University officials said Taylor was briefly detained and later released. The university said it is gathering information and speaking with conference leadership.
“Coach Taylor was advocating for his players following the conclusion of the game,” Tuskegee said in a statement. “We are concerned about the manner in which the situation was handled and are seeking clarity regarding the actions taken by security personnel.”
No injuries were reported, and it was not immediately clear whether Taylor would face charges. A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said officers responded to a request for assistance from event security but declined to provide further details pending an internal review.
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which includes both T
uskegee and Morehouse, said it is aware of the incident and is reviewing game reports and video.
“The SIAC takes the safety and dignity of all student-athletes, coaches and officials seriously,” the conference said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering facts to determine whether additional action is warranted.”
The incident sparked swift reaction across social media, with several coaches, former players and HBCU advocates questioning why a coach was handcuffed in full view of student-athletes and fans for what appeared to be a postgame dispute.
“It’s troubling to see a coach treated like a criminal for arguing a call,” said former SIAC coach Marcus Reed. “We’ve all seen heated moments after games. The response here feels excessive.”
HBCU athletic administrators have long raised concerns about inconsistent security practices at athletic events, particularly when disputes arise involving Black coaches and players. While confrontations with officials are not uncommon in college sports, arrests or handcuffing of coaches on the court are rare.
Taylor, who has led Tuskegee’s program for several seasons, has not publicly commented on the incident. Tuskegee officials said the school will support him as the review continues.
The SIAC said any disciplinary action related to the game would be handled through conference protocols. Both schools are scheduled to continue conference play this week.