A Florida Bar employee has been placed on administrative leave while the organisation investigates alleged racist and homophobic messages sent to University of Miami football player Damon Wilson II.
Kade McLendon, a computer technician who has worked for the Florida Bar for about two years, was identified as the employee whose social media account was linked to the messages.
The alleged abuse was sent after Miami’s 43-35 victory over Florida State in double overtime on Saturday, October 17. Wilson, who is Black, shared a screenshot of the private messages on Instagram the following day, describing it as a “glimpse into the life of a black student athlete”.
Florida Bar investigation
The Florida Bar said the messages included racist and homophobic slurs and condemned them as “ethically and morally reprehensible”. The organisation said the material appeared to breach its internal social media policy for employees.
“As the internal investigation continues, we are committed to enforcing our policies and procedures while making sure that any due process rights are protected,” the Bar said in a statement.
Officials have not said what prompted the messages or indicated how long the investigation is expected to take. An attempt by the Associated Press to contact McLendon was unsuccessful.
Wilson is in his first season with Miami after spells at Georgia and Missouri. His team, now ranked No 1 in the Associated Press Top 25, is due to host Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Miami offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez voiced support for his team-mate when asked about the incident.
“That’s my brother and I embrace him,” Rodriguez said. “It’s more than a game. That’s my brother.”
