Florida Bar employee placed on leave after sending racist threats to Miami football player

The Florida Bar has placed Kade McLendon, a computer technician for the organization, on administrative leave following an investigation into abusive messages sent to University of Miami football player Damon Wilson II.

Wilson, a Black defensive lineman, shared screenshots of the Instagram messages on social media after the Hurricanes' victory over Florida State, describing them as a “glimpse into the life of a black student athlete.” The messages allegedly contained repeated racial slurs, homophobic language, and threats of sexual violence and physical harm against Wilson and his family.

The Florida Bar released a statement condemning the messages as “ethically and morally reprehensible” and noting they violate internal employee social media policies. While the organization is conducting an internal review, it stated it is committed to enforcing procedures while protecting due process rights. McLendon, a Florida State alumnus, reportedly deactivated his social media accounts following the incident.