Utah DC Morgan Scalley Suspended For Using Racial Slur In 2013 Text Message
Jun 5, 2020, 4:33 PM | Updated: 6:30 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley has been suspended from the football program for using a racial slur in a text message in 2013.
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The university will have an outside firm review the matter.
Utah Director of Athletics Mark Harlan released the following statement on Friday afternoon.
“On Wednesday night, I was made aware of a social media post that referenced a 2013 text message that included racist language, sent by our football program’s defensive coordinator, Morgan Scalley,” Harlan said. “I initiated conversations with our campus partners, including President Watkins, and we agreed to have an outside firm review this matter, to seek further details and determine whether this was an isolated incident.”
“Coach Scalley and I have spoken,”Harlan continued. “He is very contrite and acknowledged that the text was sent and that it did include a derogatory and painful word. The use of any form of racist language is not only antithetical to our policies and our values, but it is an affront to all of us, especially our African-American community members. While the review of this matter is being conducted, I have placed Morgan on suspension effective immediately.”
— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) June 5, 2020
Scalley released the following statement, admitting to sending the text message in 2013.
“In 2013 I made a terrible mistake. I used a racial slur in a text message. This language is offensive and hurtful to not only the African-American community, but to all. Immediately after sending it, I apologized to the recipient and his family,” Scalley said. “I am also heartbroken over the potential breach of trust with my fellow coaches, and with the young men in our program, both past and present.”
“I am truly sorry, and I own up to the hurtful effects of my choice,” Scalley continued. “Through my actions and words going forward, I will demonstrate that my use of that slur in 2013 does not reflect or define who I am or what I stand for. My action is indefensible and I will use my voice and position to bring about meaningful and much-needed change. I accept the University’s suspension, and will use it as a time to reflect on my insensitive comment from 2013 and how I intend to listen and grow from this situation. I am completely against racism, and this will never happen again.”
Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham was shocked and disappointed when he heard the news.
“I was disappointed and shocked to learn this week of a text message sent by Morgan Scalley in 2013 that contained a racial slur,” Whittingham said in a statement. “I take very seriously the hurt, pain and anger felt by African-Americans, and the power of words to inflict or deepen that pain. Although this incident is inconsistent with the character and conduct of the person I have known and worked closely with for more than two decades, Morgan’s use of racist language is a very serious matter and I am supportive of the suspension while a more thorough outside review is conducted.”
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.
