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The former defensive coordinator for Simi Valley High School (Calif.) was recently fired for producing a music video in which he can be seen appearing to sell drugs. Otis Newell was reportedly a youth football coach for 10 years before being let go from his role at Simi Valley after another coach on staff found the video for Newell’s rap song “U Need It, I Got It.” In the video, Newell appears to sell drugs or other illegal contraband from inside an ice cream truck.
Newell went on a local news station to defend himself, saying that his music (and the accompanying video) is a product of his upbringing, during which drugs and gang violence were a part of everyday life. Newell, a father of two, said that what is depicted in the video is not reflective of his current lifestyle and that one of his main goals is to help today’s youth escape the streets.
Regardless, Simi Valley made the decision to cut ties with the coach, offering this explanation in an email to Newell:
“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.”
(Via FTW)
