Landon Buford
Taye Diggs, who played Coach Billy Baker on the hit CW drama “All American,” recently announced that he would leave the show. This news shocked fans of the show, who have grown to love Diggs’ character over the course of the series.
Diggs, who joined the cast in the second season of the show, has been an integral part of the storyline. He played a former NFL player turned high school football coach, who takes under his wing a talented young football player from South Central Los Angeles, Spencer James, played by Daniel Ezra. The show follows the lives of Spencer and his teammates as they navigate the challenges of high school, football, and the socio-economic struggles of their community.
In a statement released to the press, “I was having a great time. It was just a feeling that I got [that I was ready to leave], and I just honored that feeling,” Digg said, adding that he talked to showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll who was on board with his decision and the planning on his character leaving the show began.
“The easiest choice would have been for me to teach at some college, but then given the intensity of the relationships between me and my family, and me and the team, it would not make sense if I was still alive and wasn’t still in contact with these children of mine — these students, these young men that had such an influence on my life,” Diggs explained, also noting that this was the first time that a character he has played was killed off.
“When I was told how I was exiting, I was impressed. No characters I’ve played have ever been dealt with in that fashion. I was honored,” he added.
On Instagram, Diggs wrote “That’s a wrap! Thank you fans for your unrelenting support. Thank you cast for your energy and unrivaled talent. Y’all are EVERYTHING and will always be,” he captioned his post. “THANK YOU, NnKe For such a graceful exit and for altering the trajectory of my life as an actor, parent and a human being. SO MUCH LOVE ❤️”
Several of his former co-stars reacted to the news in his comment section.
Karimah Westbrook wrote, “Love you Taye! It was a pleasure and so much fun working with you. We will miss you dearly. ❤️”
“You were the one that made this real to me! Will never forget the day I heard you were interested in All American and having grown up watching you in my all time favorite movies, it’s been an honor working together. But we have more work to do!”
Monet Mazur said, “Love youuuuu 😭”
Spencer Paysinger, who the show is based on shared, “You were the one that made this real to me! Will never forget the day I heard you were interested in All American and having grown up watching you in my all time favorite movies, it’s been an honor working together. But we have more work to do!”
Both Greta Onieogou and Michael Evans Behling posted heart emojis.
Finally, Kareem Grimes wrote, “Thank you for the Laughs and great conversations. Love you, bro.”
The news of Diggs’ departure has been met with mixed reactions from fans of the show. While some are saddened by the news, others have expressed their excitement at the prospect of new storylines and characters. Many have also expressed their appreciation for Diggs’ work on the show, with some calling him the heart and soul of the series.
The show’s producers have not yet announced how they plan to address Diggs’ departure on the show, or who might fill his shoes as the football coach for the Beverly Hills High School football team. However, they have expressed their gratitude for Diggs’ contributions to the show, saying that he will be missed.
“All American” has been a critical and commercial success for the CW, with its mix of high school drama, football action, and social commentary resonating with audiences across the country. The show has been praised for its diverse cast, nuanced characters, and compelling storytelling, and has been renewed for a fourth season.
While it remains to be seen how the show will continue without Diggs’ presence, one thing is certain: “All American” has become a beloved fixture in the television landscape and will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
