Fran Brown handing out a scholarship to Toosii is nothing but a gimmick, and it’s the kind of move that makes Syracuse football look unserious. Especially coming off a blowout loss to a 1-10 team using their backup QB. Sure Toosii being from Syracuse is a cute story. Hometown kid, big name, playing for the local team. But this isn’t a feel good movie, this is major big boy Power Four football. This guy is 5'8", 165 pounds, hasn’t played organized football in years and his only other offer came from Sacramento State, an FCS program. That’s not ACC‑caliber talent.
Scholarships aren’t souvenirs, they’re lifelines for kids who grind every day in the weight room and on the field. Giving one to a 25‑year‑old rapper chasing a side hustle is a slap in the face to every recruit who’s been putting in the work. And let’s be real: Toosii has platinum records, millions of followers, and a tour schedule. Do we honestly think he’s going to commit to winter workouts, spring ball and film study like a freshman walk on? The cameras will follow him, not the team, and that’s a distraction this program cannot afford.
Worse, it sets a terrible precedent. If hype matters more than hard work, what’s next, Drake suiting up at wide receiver? LL Cool J at linebacker? The locker room dynamic will implode when guys see a celebrity parachute in and get the same scholarship they fought for. Fran is supposed to be rebuilding Syracuse football, not turning it into a publicity circus. If he wants Toosii around, fine, book him for halftime. But don’t waste a scholarship slot on a sideshow.
deadspin.com
