Coach Otis Newell, a former defensive coordinator at Simi Valley High School in California, was fired from his job after a fellow coach found a music video for the song “U Need It, I Got It,” in which Newell appears to sell drugs out of an ice cream truck.
Newell says that the video was simply meant to show how he used football to escape drug use and gang violence.
Via the L.A. Times:
“I just think this just went way too far, way too fast. It’s a depiction of pretty much how I grew up, and there’s no secret that in the city where I come from, drugs and gang violence were everyday parts of my life.”
In an email Newell shared with KTLA, the Simi Valley Unified School District stated that it was not questioning Newell’s character, but “cannot support” his appearance in the video.
Via KTLA:
“In an email to Newell, the district went on to state that, “Although the music video and song lyrics are not reflective of how you are currently living your life as a husband, father, or coach, the images and activities portrayed in the video are ones we cannot support.”
“Therefore, reinstating you as a football coach with Simi Valley Unified is not possible,” the email continued. “We do wish you the best of luck with your personal and professional endeavors moving forward.”
Speak On It!