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When will people learn that tweeting has consequences? For UT Chattanooga assistant football coach Chris Malone, a snap decision cost him his job.
Malone, who coached the offensive line for the Mocs, was fired by the program after an inappropriate tweet directed at Georgia politician Stacey Abrams following the special run-off Senate election in the state this week.
The assistant coach decided to rip Abrams for her role in the election — which led to wins for Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff to flip the Senate in favor of the Democrats — while taking a shot at her appearance.
In the since-deleted tweet, Malone called Abrams “Fat Albert” and “buffet Big Girl.”
IN OUR INBOX: We’ve heard that @UTChattanooga assistant football coach, Chris Malone, deleted his account after posting this vile comment. Parents and students are outraged. pic.twitter.com/0bNJ1HYgPx
— Chattanooga Holler (@NoogaHoller) January 7, 2021
UT Chattanooga athletic director Mark Wharton quickly responded to the controversy by announcing the firing of Malone.
“Last night, a totally inappropriate social media post by a member of our football staff was brought to my attention,” Wharton wrote in a statement.
“The entire post was appalling. The sentiments in that post do not represent the values of our football program, our Athletics department or our University. With that said, effective immediately, that individual is no longer a part of the program.”
My statement on the recent social media post. pic.twitter.com/fw088dl78k
— Mark Wharton (@MWharton_MocsAD) January 7, 2021
Head coach Rusty Wright also commented on the situation.
“Our football program has a clear set of standards. Those standards include respecting others. It is a message our players hear daily. It is a standard I will not waiver on. What was posted on social media by a member of my staff is unacceptable and not any part of what I stand for or what Chattanooga stands for,” he said.
“Life is bigger than football and as leaders of young men, we have to set that example, first and foremost. With that said, effective immediately, that individual is no longer a part of my staff.”
Again, let this serve as a reminder to think before you tweet.
