The Florida Bar placed an employee on administrative leave Tuesday after an account under his name sent racist and threatening messages to Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Damon Wilson II, according to ESPN. The employee, Kade McLendon, worked as a computer technician for the organization.
The messages followed Miami’s 43-35 double-overtime win over Florida State on Saturday. Wilson posted screenshots of the exchange to Instagram on Sunday, writing that the messages offered a glimpse into the life of a Black student athlete.
What Was Sent To Damon Wilson
One of the messages read, “i am going to rape, beat and kill ur family,” according to Yahoo Sports. The full set of messages included racial slurs, homophobic language, references to slavery and additional threats of sexual violence, according to the New York Post.
McLendon’s Instagram and LinkedIn accounts had been deactivated by Monday night, the Post reported. He graduated from Florida State University and had worked at the Florida Bar since June 2024, putting his tenure at roughly two to two-and-a-half years depending on the source.
The Florida Bar’s Response
The organization confirmed it placed McLendon on administrative leave Tuesday and said its internal review remains active. “The messages in question are not only ethically and morally reprehensible but also violate our internal social media policy for employees,” the Florida Bar said in a statement reported by ESPN.
The Bar said it is continuing to investigate while protecting McLendon’s due process rights. The organization has not said whether McLendon disputes sending the messages or detailed what further action, if any, will follow the administrative leave.
Miami’s Reaction
Miami offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez addressed the situation on behalf of the team. “That’s my brother and I embrace him,” Rodriguez said, adding that the matter is “more than a game.”
Wilson is in his first season at Miami after transferring from Georgia and Missouri. He has recorded 3.5 sacks and four total tackles this season as the No. 1-ranked Hurricanes have built their case for the top spot in the AP Top 25 following the win over Florida State, a game that also featured a disputed Hail Mary interception call in the closing moments.
What’s Next
The Florida Bar has not announced a timeline for concluding its investigation into McLendon. No further disciplinary action beyond the administrative leave has been confirmed. Miami, fresh off its rivalry win detailed in the preview of the FSU matchup, next turns its attention to a road trip to face Clemson, a game previewed in Miami vs. Clemson: No. 4 Canes chase huge Death Valley win.
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