NCAA Football News and Notes: Utah Suspends Coach for Racial Slur

Utah has suspended defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley until a review of a 2013 text message with a racial slur has been finished. Athletic director Mark Harlan was made aware of a social media post that referenced the 2013 incident.
Scalley admitted the use of the slur and apologized in a statement released by Utah. Below is the statement released by Scalley.
“In 2013, I made a terrible mistake,” he said. “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.
“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.”
Danny Pearman, who is an assistant coach for Clemson, also apologized this week for an incident in 2016 where he used a racial slur when confronting tight end D.J. Greenlee. Former Tigers player Kanyon Tuttle, not Greenlee, took to social media to call out Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney for his handling of the matter.
The racial injustice protests have shown some of the ugliness that has happened in athletics. Athletes have felt empowered to tell their stories, and hopefully, coaches do more to help maintain a safe and just atmosphere for their athletes.
Clemson Without WR Ross for Upcoming Season
Justyn Ross, who would have been Clemson’s number one receiver next season, underwent corrective back surgery and will miss the year. Ross was projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Ross hurt himself in a spring workout with what the team thought was a shoulder injury. The x-rays revealed that two vertebrae were fused, and he had a bulging disc.
Ross was projected as a top-10 pick next year, but the injury will hurt his draft stock. He may return for another season so he can improve his draft position in 2021
FSU’s Norvell Issues Apology
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell issued an apology for lying after being called out by one of his star players. Defensive lineman Marvin Wilson said that the coach didn’t reach out to every player about the George Floyd incident, even though the coach claimed to have done so.
The team held a meeting and decided to help players register to vote and financially support organizations that help young black students attend college and help low-income children in the Tallahassee area. Wilson took to his Instagram to say the issue was over and that the team was happy with the direction they handled the discussion and actions moving forward.
Maryland Football Will Start Workout June 15
The Maryland Terrapins will return to the practice field for workouts on June 15. The practices will be voluntary, and the athletes will be tested for the coronavirus before they are allowed to practice.
Student-athletes will be allowed on campus starting June 8. Everyone will be tested daily to help limit a possible outbreak during workouts.