The Florida Bar has fired employee Kade McLendon following an internal investigation into alleged racist, homophobic and threatening Instagram messages sent from his account to University of Miami football player Damon Wilson II.
The termination came less than a day after the organization placed McLendon on leave while investigating the messages, which became public following the Miami Hurricanes’ 43-35 double-overtime victory over rival Florida State.
In a statement issued Wednesday, October 21, The Florida Bar said it had completed its investigation into the direct messages sent from McLendon’s Instagram account to Wilson.
“The Florida Bar has concluded its internal investigation into the direct messages sent from Kade McLendon’s Instagram account to Damon Wilson,” the organization said.
The statement described the messages as “reprehensible” and said they were inconsistent with the organization’s mission, values and policies.
McLendon denied sending the messages and reportedly argued that his Instagram account had been hacked. However, The Florida Bar said he did not provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the organization that his account had been compromised.
“As of today, The Florida Bar has terminated McLendon’s employment,” the statement concluded.
The organization reportedly employed McLendon for approximately two years. A LinkedIn profile said to belong to him indicated that he graduated from Florida State University, although the profile alone does not independently establish who sent the messages.
Wilson shared a screenshot of the alleged messages on Instagram, drawing attention to the incident and the abuse directed at the Miami football player.
In his post, Wilson wrote: “Glimpse into the life of a black student athlete.”
The incident also prompted public support from Wilson’s teammates, who emphasized their solidarity with him following the controversy.
Miami tight end Elijah Lofton said Wilson was his brother and that the team would support him in whatever he needed.
Offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez echoed that message, saying he embraced Wilson and stressing that the situation was about more than football.
The responses highlighted the support Wilson received from teammates as the controversy spread beyond social media.
The No. 1-ranked Hurricanes are scheduled to face Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 24, according to the supplied report.
While The Florida Bar has confirmed McLendon’s termination following its internal investigation, its statement does not establish independently who personally sent the messages. McLendon’s claim that his account was hacked remains part of the reported dispute.
The case has placed renewed attention on online abuse directed at college athletes and the consequences organizations may impose when conduct linked to their employees conflicts with workplace policies.
