Tuskegee AD’s Viral Message to Alumni: No Free Tickets, No Exceptions

In a refreshingly candid social media post, Tuskegee University Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin and head coach Aaron Jones laid down the law for former football players ahead of their home opener. The blunt message, aimed at an alumni base that has apparently been a source of frequent freebie requests, was clear: there will be no free tickets or sideline passes.

In the post, co-signed by coach Jones, Ruffin directly addressed former Golden Tigers, stating, “Most of you don’t even donate a $5 case of water or Powerade to YOUR University which you always point out to me.” He also specifically warned against trying to look good for the cameras on televised games, declaring, “No Sir not happening!!!”

The AD used a few different, and humorous, tactics to get his point across. He warned against bringing alcohol from tailgate areas, humorously threatening that offenders would be “going to jail.” In a more creative safety appeal, he cautioned against jumping fences or cutting through the woods to get into the game for free, noting that the area has a rattlesnake problem. Ruffin also challenged former players to stop “lying to your children’s about how great you were here,” urging them to be honest about their contributions.

While the post’s tone was comedic, it was rooted in the serious financial reality of a Division II HBCU. Tuskegee’s athletic administration is not swimming in cash, and Ruffin’s frustration highlights the challenge of getting alumni to contribute to the programs they once benefited from. The candid message appears to have been well-received, as Ruffin posted a follow-up thanking the former players for responding to the message and even offering to help them finish their degrees.