The Florida Bar fires IT employee who sent racist messages to Miami football player
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The brief investigation concluded that the bar said the former employee’s messages were “reprehensible” and “inconsistent” with its mission and values.
One day after placing an IT employee on leave over alleged racist messages sent to a University of Miami football player, The Florida Bar has announced the employee was fired.
On Wednesday (Oct. 20), The Florida Bar issued a statement regarding Kade McLendon, who University of Miami player Damon Wilson II alleged sent him racist, homophobic and threatening messages following the Hurricanes’ 43-35 2OT win over rival Florida State. A screenshot of a LinkedIn profile reportedly belonging to McLendon showed he graduated from the Tallahassee-based university.
McLendon, who reportedly worked at the bar for about two years, argued that his account had been hacked when the messages were sent to Wilson, who took a screenshot and then uploaded it to Instagram. In one
“Glimpse into the life of a black student athlete,” he wrote.
After the messages went public, The Bar began its investigation into McLendon and returned its findings less than 24 hours later.
“The Florida Bar has concluded its internal investigation into the direct messages sent from Kade McLendon’s Instagram account to Damon Wilson,” the statement began. “Those messages were reprehensible and inconsistent with the mission, values, and policies of The Florida Bar. While McLendon denies sending the messages, he did not provide evidence sufficient to demonstrate to The Florida Bar’s satisfaction that his Instagram account had been compromised. As of today, The Florida Bar has terminated McLendon’s employment.”
Teammates swiftly came to Wilson’s defense after the incident was made public.
“He’s my brother, so anything he needs, we will be there for him,” tight end Elijah Lofton said.
Offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez added, “That’s my brother and I embrace him. It’s more than a game. That’s my brother.”
The No. 1 Hurricanes take the field again on Saturday against Pitt.