SoFla Guide Editors
The Florida Bar has placed employee Kade McLendon on administrative leave during an internal investigation into racist, homophobic and threatening Instagram messages sent to University of Miami defensive lineman Damon Wilson II, according to an Associated Press report carried by ESPN. McLendon, who allegedly sent the messages, works for the Bar as a computer technician, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The Bar’s investigation is ongoing, and no final disciplinary action had been announced as of Tuesday.
What happened
The messages arrived after Miami’s 43-35 double-overtime win over Florida State on Saturday, October 17, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
On Sunday, the day after the game, Wilson posted a screenshot of roughly 12 of the messages to his Instagram Stories, ESPN reported, citing the AP. Wilson, who is Black, shared them with a short caption:
“Glimpse into the life of a black student athlete.”
The content of the messages was severe. According to reporting by the Miami Herald, cited by Local 10 News, they included racial slurs, with the N-word used at least three times. They also included homophobic slurs used at least twice, references to slavery, threats of rape and sexual violence, and threats to beat and kill Wilson’s family.
On Monday, the Florida Bar opened an internal investigation. On Tuesday, October 20, it placed McLendon on administrative leave, ESPN reported.
Who is Kade McLendon
The Florida Bar is the organization of all lawyers licensed by the Supreme Court of Florida to practice law in the state. McLendon is an employee of the organization, not an attorney.
According to a LinkedIn profile cited by the Miami Herald, McLendon has worked as a computer technician at the Bar since June 2024 and is a Florida State University graduate. That profile is no longer public. The Tampa Bay Times reported that McLendon’s Instagram and LinkedIn accounts were taken down on Monday.
Florida Bar spokesperson Jennifer Krell Davis confirmed McLendon’s identity and the administrative leave to the Tampa Bay Times.
The Bar also confirmed the leave to USA TODAY Network-Florida, the Palm Beach Post reported. In an email to the network, a Florida Bar spokesman said:
“The Florida Bar has put employee Kade McLendon on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.”
The AP tried to reach McLendon on Tuesday and was unsuccessful, according to ESPN.
Miami stands behind Wilson
Wilson is in his first season at the University of Miami, Local 10 News reported. The senior previously played at Georgia and Missouri and earned second-team All-SEC honors at Missouri in 2025. He transferred to Miami in January 2026.
His teammates and classmates have made their support clear. WSVN 7News reported Tuesday that UM players and students stood behind Wilson after the incident.
Miami offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez, a longtime Hurricane who committed to the program in 2020, spoke about his teammate in comments reported by the Associated Press:
“That’s my brother and I embrace him.”
For Wilson, who is still in his first season with the Hurricanes, that kind of public backing from a veteran in the locker room carries weight. Wilson’s decision to share the messages himself also put a spotlight on the kind of abuse athletes can receive directly on their phones after a big game.
What’s next
The Florida Bar’s internal investigation remains open. As of Tuesday, October 20, no final disciplinary action against McLendon had been announced.
No criminal charges or law enforcement investigation had been publicly reported as of Tuesday.
McLendon has not publicly commented. The AP said it was unable to reach him.
SoFla Guide will update this story if the Florida Bar announces the outcome of its investigation or if any other official action is reported.
