Controversy led to Florida Classic's departure

Bethune-Cookman running back Willie Ceasar tries to turn the corner on FAMU defensive back James Godwin in the 1990 Florida Classic. Fans that year complained about hotel reservation and payment policies that they said were unfair. [Times files 1990]

By BILL DURYEA
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 14, 2002

The punch bowl incident What really happened that night at the Tampa Marriott Waterside when members of the Progressive National Baptist Convention walked out on their banquet? Eight months later, it's hard to tell who knows.

The incident at the Marriott Waterside was not the first time a prominent African-American group had found Tampa's hospitality wanting.

Two of the most prominent incidents involved the annual Florida Classic football game, which pitted Florida A&M University against Bethune-Cookman College. Tens of thousands of fans came to Tampa each year for the game and the array of events preceding it.

In 1990, alumni from the two predominantly black schools complained about what they said were unfair hotel reservation and payment requirements that year.

Four years later, the alumni were angered by the decision of managers of Tampa Bay Center, the mall across from Tampa Stadium, to close early, preventing fans from entering after the game.

The game was moved to Orlando in 1997, ending a 17-year tradition.

When Florida A&M University chose in 2000 to locate its new law school in Orlando rather than at a larger downtown Tampa site, the decision was seen locally as the payback for the Florida Classic controversies.

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