Full Breakdown
Florida Bar Employee Fired After Racist Instagram Messages to Miami Defensive Lineman
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On the night of Miami’s 43-35 double-overtime victory over Florida State at Hard Rock Stadium, University of Miami defensive lineman Damon Wilson II posted a screenshot of Instagram direct messages containing racist, homophobic and violent slurs. The messages originated from an account named Kade McLendon, identified by the Florida Bar as a computer-technician employee. After an internal investigation, the Bar terminated McLendon’s employment on October 21.
Background & Context
The rivalry game on October 17 gave Miami a 6-0 record and the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25. Wilson, a transfer from Missouri and former second-team All-SEC player, was involved in the final play that secured the win.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 17 | Miami defeats Florida State 43-35 in double overtime. |
| Oct 18 | Wilson shares the Instagram screenshots on his story. |
| Oct 19 | The Florida Bar announces it is reviewing the messages. |
| Oct 20 | The Bar identifies McLendon, places him on administrative leave, and calls the messages “ethically and morally reprehensible.” |
| Oct 21 | The Bar terminates McLendon’s employment. |
Data & Statistics
- The exchange comprised 12 messages (Tallahassee report) or “a dozen” according to other outlets.
- Content included three racial slurs, two homophobic slurs, and threats of rape, physical violence, and references to slavery.
- One message read, “You’re the type of people that should be forced to the back of the bus.”
Official Statements & Responses
- The Bar concluded the conduct violated its internal social-media policy and terminated the employee.
- McLendon, a Florida State graduate hired in June 2024, claimed his account was hacked; the Bar found the explanation unsubstantiated.
- The Bar emphasized it would protect due-process rights while enforcing its policies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You’re the type of people that should be forced to the back of the bus,” — Kade McLendon
- “The Florida Bar has concluded its internal investigation into the direct messages sent from Kade McLendon’s Instagram account to Damon Wilson,” — The Florida Bar
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Surname spelling: Tallahassee cites Kade McClendon; other sources use Kade McLendon.
- Message count: Tallahassee reports 12 messages; others note “a dozen” or “multiple.”
- Exact wording: All agree the messages contained racist and homophobic slurs and threats, though phrasing varies.
These discrepancies highlight the limited publicly available evidence beyond Wilson’s screenshots and the Bar’s internal findings.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights digital harassment faced by Black college athletes after high-profile games and shows how professional organizations, such as the Florida Bar, enforce employee conduct standards on personal social-media use. The swift termination signals a zero-tolerance stance toward hate-filled communications from staff members of a statewide legal institution.