Florida bar employee placed on leave after racist messages

DUANEWS | October 21, 2026

MIAMI, Fla. — An employee of The Florida Bar has been placed on administrative leave following allegations that he sent racist, homophobic and threatening messages to a University of Miami football player.

The controversy involves Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Damon Wilson II and Kade McLendon, an employee of The Florida Bar, the organization responsible for regulating attorneys in Florida.

The allegations have sparked concerns about online harassment, discrimination and the conduct expected of employees working for professional regulatory organizations.

Messages Allegedly Sent After Football Game

According to media reports, the messages were sent following a Miami Hurricanes victory over Florida State.

Wilson reportedly received offensive messages through social media containing racial and homophobic language, along with statements perceived as threatening.

The incident drew attention after the messages became public, raising questions about the conduct of the individual allegedly responsible.

The Florida Bar Responds

The Florida Bar confirmed that McLendon had been placed on administrative leave while the organization reviews the allegations.

The organization also indicated that the reported messages were inconsistent with its internal standards and policies.

Administrative leave is not necessarily a final disciplinary decision. The outcome will depend on the findings of the review and any subsequent action by the organization.

Questions About Professional Conduct

The allegations have generated concern because The Florida Bar plays an important role in maintaining professional standards within Florida’s legal community.

Although the organization is not accused of sending or endorsing the messages, the controversy has raised questions about employee accountability and workplace expectations.

The case also highlights the harassment that college athletes can face online, particularly after high-profile sporting events.

What Happens Next?

The Florida Bar’s review will determine whether additional employment-related action is warranted.

As of the latest reporting, no final disciplinary outcome had been announced.

It is also important to distinguish allegations of offensive or threatening messages from criminal charges. The reported administrative action does not, by itself, establish that a crime occurred.

For Wilson and the Miami Hurricanes community, the incident has drawn renewed attention to the importance of protecting student-athletes from discrimina