A former California high school football coach is being heralded by his players–old and new–for being an inspirational figure, but that didn’t prevent him from getting canned once his fellow coaching staff got wind of his side career as a rapper.
Otis Newell, also known by his stage name Big Pho, was recently removed from the Simi Valley High School football program for the contents contained in his new music video, “U Need It, I Got It,” which is a not-so-subtle ode to selling drugs.
Reports KTLA:
Coach Otis Newell has been involved in youth football for 10 years, most recently as the defensive coordinator at Simi Valley High School.
But two weeks ago that all changed when another coach spotted one of Newell’s music videos online.
The unidentified coach complained to the school, claiming Newell’s references to drugs and gang violence were inappropriate.
Newell told KTLA his goal was to use his life story as way to keep other kids off the street.
Many of Newell’s former players had nothing but praise for their coach.
And the Simi Valley Unified School District shared their opinion of Newell, at least in part, stating that the coach’s “ethics, morals, and character as a human being are not being questioned.”
But 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.”
On the opening lines of the record, Newell (or should we say Pho?), raps: “I stay with the product/Got coke, drank, pills, dope and marijuana…Don’t matter how I get it, do my dirt while I’m in private/If you playing games with me/Cut your life, Lorena Bobbitt.” The video also depicts the married father of two “serving customers” in the hood from inside of an ice cream truck.
Yeah, we’re all for 1st amendment freedom-of-rap-speech, but “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” © Nas why the school made the decision they did.
Flip it to the next page to see the “U Need It, I Got It” video. Big Pho’s album Hustle Handbook drops on September 17 via The P.L.O. Group.
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Photo: YouTube
