Florida Bar fires employee over racist messages to Miami player

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

The Florida Bar has fired an employee accused of sending racist and homophobic messages to Miami football player Damon Wilson II.

The Florida Bar has fired Kade McLendon, a computer technician employed there for about two years, following an investigation into messages sent to Miami football player Damon Wilson II. An account using McLendon's name sent Wilson racist and homophobic slurs on Instagram after the Hurricanes' 43-35 victory over Florida State last weekend.

Wilson, who is Black, shared screenshots of the messages publicly on Sunday, describing it as a 'glimpse into the life of a black student athlete'. The Bar placed McLendon on administrative leave on Tuesday whilst investigating, before firing him on Wednesday.

McLendon denies sending the messages, but according to the New York Post did not provide evidence sufficient to demonstrate to the Bar's satisfaction that his Instagram account had been compromised. The Bar said the messages were 'reprehensible and inconsistent with the mission, values, and policies' of the organisation. Miami offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez said of Wilson: 'That's my brother and I embrace him. It's more than a game.'

How it is being reported

• Florida Bar fires employee accused of sending racist messages to Miami football playerAn account from a person using McLendon's name sent a number of messages to Miami's Damon Wilson II, including several racist and homophobic slurs.New York Post · 22 Oct, 02:14
• Florida Bar suspends staffer after Miami football star is abused with racist and homophobic slursDamon Wilson II shared sickening messages he received on social media after helping the University of Miami beat rivals Florida State in a dramatic game.Daily Mail Sport · 21 Oct, 14:48

In this story: Damon Wilson II · Kade McLendon · Florida Bar · University of Miami · Florida State · Ryan Rodriguez

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