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Miami lineman posts racist and threatening messages after Florida State win; Bar employee put on leave
Hurricanes defensive lineman Damon Wilson shared racist, homophobic and violent messages he received after Miami’s Oct. 17 double-overtime victory over Florida State. The Florida Bar said the sender, an employee in its technology department, was placed on administrative leave.
University of Miami defensive lineman Damon Wilson shared a series of racist, homophobic and threatening direct messages he received after the Hurricanes defeated Florida State in double overtime on Oct. 17 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Wilson posted the messages on social media with the caption, “Glimpse into the life of a black student-athlete.” The messages included racial and homophobic slurs as well as threats of violence.
The sender was identified as a Florida State graduate who worked in the Florida Bar’s technology department. The Bar placed the employee on administrative leave.
“The messages are not only ethically and morally reprehensible but violate our internal social media policy,” the Florida Bar said in a statement. The organization said it would enforce its policies and procedures while protecting due-process rights.
Miami teammates voiced support for Wilson during a session with reporters. Tight end Elijah Lofton said Wilson was his “brother” and that teammates would be there for him. Chase Smith urged the team to stay focused and block out distractions.
The messages came after a high-profile rivalry win, turning attention from the game to the abuse directed at a student-athlete. The Florida Bar did not identify the employee publicly in its statement.