Florida A&M University has been fined $10,000 and announcer Joe Bullard suspended after a halftime remark about Alabama State’s Honey Beez. The Southwestern Athletic Conference confirmed both penalties, citing violations of sportsmanship and professional standards. The incident has become one of the most discussed moments of the HBCU football season.
SWAC Fines FAMU $10,000 For Honey Beez Ozempic Comment
@voltmedia0 FAMU announcer under fire after comments about Alabama state university’s dance team the honey bees #famu #alabamastateuniversity #hbcu #marchingband #fyp
The Southwestern Athletic Conference issued Florida A&M a $10,000 fine following the comment. In its statement, SWAC said the remark broke its code of conduct and set a poor example for how visiting teams and performers should be treated. The fine was also paired with a public reprimand, sending a message that game-day presentation is under the league’s authority and will be policed closely.
Joe Bullard Suspended Two Games By SWAC
Joe Bullard, the longtime announcer for the Marching 100, was suspended for the next two games. The punishment removes him from his role in upcoming home contests.
What Joe Bullard Said During Halftime
The controversy began during halftime of FAMU’s September 27 game against Alabama State. Bullard introduced the Honey Beez as the “new face of Ozempic.”
The Honey Beez are a plus-size dance team known for their crowd-pleasing performances and national recognition. Linking them to a weight-loss drug undercut their reputation and reduced their appearance to a joke, which many fans saw as insulting and unnecessary.
Apology From FAMU And Joe Bullard
I stand with my brother Joe Bullard.
Hopefully this apology can be accepted and he can be judged off the greatness he’s done in Tallahassee & at FAMU for 3 decades & not a mishap in a moment during halftime.
Respectfully 🧡💚🐍#FAMU x #FAMUly pic.twitter.com/4SowqTcLFE
— IG: BDahtTV (@BDAHT) September 30, 2025
FAMU President Marva Johnson quickly issued an apology, describing the comment as inappropriate and offensive. She emphasized that the remark did not reflect the university’s values and offered a direct apology to Alabama State and the Honey Beez.
Bullard also released a statement, saying, “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 continued by offering a direct apology: “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… To anyone who was offended, I am truly sorry.”
He added that his intention was never to demean the dancers: “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.”
Has Joe Bullard Resigned?
No. Bullard has not resigned. The suspension and reprimand remain the only formal actions taken. He is expected to return after serving his two-game ban, though his future role will be watched closely by both FAMU and the SWAC.
Why The Honey Beez Comment Drew Strong Reaction
The Honey Beez are well known across HBCU culture and beyond. They have built a reputation for strong performances while challenging outdated ideas about who belongs on a college dance team.
The comment was seen as undermining that work and struck a nerve because of the visibility the Honey Beez already have. Supporters viewed it as disrespectful not only to the dancers themselves but to what they represent within college sports and marching band culture.
What Happens Next For FAMU Announcer And Game Day
FAMU will pay the $10,000 fine and move forward under added scrutiny. Bullard will miss two games before returning, provided no further action is taken. The incident has already sparked conversations about how announcers handle their roles and the standards that schools and conferences expect.
For FAMU, the focus now shifts to repairing relationships with Alabama State and restoring confidence that its events reflect the respect and sportsmanship the SWAC demands.
