The University of Utah announced on Friday it is suspending defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley after the discovery of a text message he sent in 2013 that used a racial slur.
Utes suspend Morgan Scalley for racist language in 2013
Utah’s athletic director Mark Harlan released a statement on Friday evening, via The Salt Lake Tribune, announcing that Staley would serve his suspension immediately while the school investigates the matter.
Scalley, who served as a safeties coach and recruiting coordinator for the Utes in 2013, will receive pay during the suspension.
Utah’s athletics department was made aware of aa social media post referring to a text message sent by Scalley in 2013 that used a racial slur. Harlan spoke with Scalley soon after the university was notified and the coach admitted to sending the text.
“In 2013 I made a terrible mistake,” Scalley said, via statement. “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 has been with Utah’s coaching staff for more than a decade. He was previously an All-American safety for the Utes before beginning his coaching career in 2006, then becoming a graduate assistant in 2007, according to the team’s website.
Utah’s defense allowed the third-fewest Toal yards (256.2) in the country this past season and has emerged as one of the best units in college football during Scalley’s tenure.