Florida Bar suspends employee who sent racist, threatening messages to Miami linebacker
The Florida Bar placed employee Kade McLendon on administrative leave after an account bearing his name sent a series of racist, homophobic, and violent messages to University of Miami linebacker Damon Wilson II following Miami's double-overtime win over Florida State. The messages included repeated use of racial slurs, references to slavery, and explicit threats of sexual violence against Wilson and his family. Wilson posted screenshots of the messages to his Instagram Story to illustrate what Black student-athletes face. The Florida Bar acknowledged in a statement that the messages violate its internal social media policy and said it is committed to upholding due process as its investigation continues.
Why it matters
For coaches: Coaching staffs may need to consider how they support players who are targets of online threats and harassment.
For athletes: The case is a stark example of the racial harassment college athletes can face on social media after high-profile games.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports college football
Sources
- Yahoo Sports college football: Florida Bar suspends employee after racist messages to Miami football player
- Yahoo Sports college football: ‘Fire Him Immediately,’ ‘Make an Example of Him’ — CFB Fans Demand Action After Florida Bar Suspends Employee Over ‘Disgusting’ Messages to Miami DL
- Yahoo Sports college football: Florida Bar fires employee accused of sending racist messages to Miami football player
- Yahoo Sports college football: ‘He Sent the Messages,’ ‘Being Racist Can Be Costly’ — CFB World Reacts to Florida Bar Terminating FSU Fan for ‘Hateful’ DMs to Miami DL