Ex-Longhorns lineman [tag]Buck Burnette[/tag] has sent a statement to The Associated Press regarding his comments on President-elect Barack Obama that led to his dismissal from the Texas football team. The statement in full is posted below:
There are a lot of false statements and quotes on the internet attributed to me, but regardless, what I did post is indefensible. I made a very bad decision to post on my Facebook a text message that was sent to me in reference to the election. This posting has caused embarrassment and distraction to the University of Texas Football Team.
I was allowed to apologize to the team and part of what I said is listed below:
“First of all I want to say that I apologize for causing a distraction from what this team is trying to accomplish. What I wrote was hurtful not only to people individually but also to the chemistry of this team and the “big picture.” What I wrote was totally inappropriate and immature of me and is not a reflection of how my parents raised me, what I believe, or what this team stands for. I sincerely apologize for offending and or causing any pain by my hurtful comment. I apologize to you coaches for being a distraction and stupidly drawing negative attention to myself when the success of the team is the goal at hand. I apologize to you my team mates for letting you down, not being accountable, and causing dissention among us. Coach Brown I apologize to you for being a distraction and possibly throwing away the priceless opportunity to play football at the University of Texas.”
“This football team has become my life and my family. I think of ALL of you as my brothers and I don’t see color as the measure of a man. A man’s heart is the true teller of his character and I see nothing but my brothers around me when I walk out on the football field with you.”
I sinned against man and God posting what I did. That statement breeds hate and it was never my intention to cause those controversial feelings. The people who know me and know my heart will know this to be true. I have received tremendous support from both black and white players on my team and for that I am truly grateful. For those that remain offended, I hope that over time you will be able to forgive me.
What I wrote on Facebook was a horrible immature mistake. I have no racial feelings towards anyone especially the President Elect of the United States of America. I am proud to call myself an American and I look forward to the progress that President Obama will bring to the people of this great nation. I wish and pray for President Obama to have tremendous success as our president.
reply to #1
S. Hankinson
November 7th, 2008 at 12:33 am
I’m a 50 year old black female who was saddened but not shocked from Buck’s comments. It just goes to show that Texas is truly a red state with rednecks still living there. All Buck got was his feelings and pride hurt because he got kicked off the team. Kudos to the Texas Longhorns for doing something about his comments. Buck will do just fine….he writes a great apology…maybe he can get a job with Hallmark or American Greetings when he graduates. Or he’ll probably start his own company with jingles and become a millionaire…….”Cream always rises to the top”. Try going through life not getting jobs because of the color of your skin and not your qualifications and all you’re trying to do is feed and clothe your family. If you learned anything about this ignorant mistake you made, learn to keep your fingers off the keyboard and your mouth shut if you do not have anything positive to say. Again, I’ve lived 50 years and have had to watch every single day what I say or do just to hold on to my jobs. Until you walk in someone else’s shoes….keep quiet….you’ll never have the class and/or elegance the Obama family has. In closing, Bush is out and so are you!!
reply to #2
Jermain
November 7th, 2008 at 1:35 am
S. Hankinson
Why does it have to be a black vs white issue. I’m white and i would never say such things noir do i think them. Furthermore you cant lump all of Texas into one category that’s like saying all blacks eat chicken and watermelon. its just plain racist. you say you are 50 years old? well dear start acting it. And why why do you have to end with more hatefull noise like Bush is out and so are you> Again this just shows your imature nature. I would guess you are a 20 yr old college kid who has been spoon fed liberalism by your parents and profs. Grow up!
reply to #3
Nicole
November 7th, 2008 at 1:38 am
I bet he wished he wouldn’t have done that, hey he should have kept that bigoted thought to himself.
reply to #4
jeannie
November 7th, 2008 at 1:45 am
With age comes wisdom. What more is there to say.
reply to #5
mark mcmillan
November 7th, 2008 at 3:05 am
buck i have known you for a long time! i no you and you truly are a great guy i hope people look past this because that was nothing like you.
god bless
reply to #6
confused
November 7th, 2008 at 3:29 am
so you’re saying that your comment wasn’t meant to be racist? what exactly did you mean by calling our president a ‘n*****’ then?
reply to #7
ADELL
November 7th, 2008 at 3:45 am
I AM A 64 YEAR OLD BLACK MAN. I HAVE PLENTY OF FRIENDS THAT ARE NOT BLACK AND ADMIRE THEM VERY MUCH. WITHOUT WHITE AMERICANS VOTING FOR BARACK OBAMA, HE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ELECTED. MORE WHITE PEOPLE EAT WATERMELON AND FRIED CHICKEN THAN BLACKS. PLEASE MAKE YOUR APOLOGY TO A HIGHER BEING.
reply to #8
Dale Peterkin
November 7th, 2008 at 6:17 am
After reading Bucks apology I have to come to one conclusion.This country is a forgibable country.The greatest lesson out of this situation is he has recognize that he was wrong and he apoligize.I am an african american and thinks it takes a man to stand up and make a formal apology for his mis deeds,I therefore think he deserves to be reinstated to the UT football team.Remember we just conclude an election Three days ago where this country came together and took an unpresedented step and elect our first African American President a huge leap in the continuing step towards racial unity lets us all continue down that path.Just look at the favourable response we are already getting from around the world,we should all view this as a lesson (God Bless America.)
reply to #9
Karlene Diane
November 7th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Okay. We’ve all said some things that are dumb! May not have a racial undertone, but we have all said some dumb things! Ooops! I mean – I have. Because I am forgetting that we live in a perfect world.
I really think kicking him off the team was a bit much . . . probation? More likely.
I am a young black might I add, college professor. I really believe the punishment was a bit harsh and I pray to God that they give him a second chance.
Sometimes I truly believe we are all a bit ttooo sensitive for our own good. Where is our freedom of speech? Yes, I know it had a racial undertone . . . okay . . . fine. But kicking him off the team? Come on . . .
I am praying that God will intercede, and President Obama will speak up and ask for his position back on the team.
All who have never sinned, let him cast the first stone . . . when we learn to forgive? When?
reply to #10
Amias
November 7th, 2008 at 7:28 am
If a “Colored” man or woman had called for hunters to kill President Bush, they would be in jail. You can not threaten the President of the United States, or call for others to help you do it, without the FBI or CIA, even Homeland Security putting your butt in jail. At least a “colored” person can’t. I think he got of easy.
Indeed we are all individuals, and one can tell by the elections that althouogh many white folks have put racism where it should go, in the past, there are millions that still think slavery is the best alternative for a person of “colored”, why I can only guess. The truth is, many of the “white” forefathers have been breast feed via the “black” women — who was forced to give her milk to them instead of her own babies — we had no choice then, and today, we are still breast feeding the white nation at the expense of the “colored”.
I am hoping and praying that President Elect Obama brings us together, but for some this will not happen — !
reply to #11
e.turner
November 7th, 2008 at 8:56 am
you blew it big fellow. at this time it is difficult to believe anything you say. i hope your prayers do not not include a severe injury to player, that will allow your sorry butt back on the team.
reply to #12
TONY REZA
November 7th, 2008 at 8:58 am
HEY BUCK, I BET YOUR PARENTS ARE PROUD OF YOU, HAVE A NICE LIFE…….
reply to #13
Amias
November 7th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Karlene Diane
I think you are pretending to be “black” so you can defend what this young white male did. If you think it’s ok for a “white” person to threaten a United States President Elect, then I guess you think it was all right for Emmit Tills balls to be cut off for looking at a white woman. Gee wiz … !
reply to #14
Julie
November 7th, 2008 at 9:34 am
You say that someone sent you this awful e-mail. Who are your friends?You had the opportunity to choose what you did with this e-mail. You made a choice to put this on your facebook instead of your trash. I appreciate your seemingly sincere apologies. However as you think about this event please do us all a favor and own your racial bias. Your getting off easy. If they let you back on the team, be a man and say no.
Forgive yourself. Hold your head up. We fall down and we get up. Good luck in what must be a miserable period in your life. You will be okay. Have faith, be strong and thank your parents that they taught you to apologize for making a bad choice.
reply to #15
Kat
November 7th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I am not coming to the young man’s defense but he does have alot of growing up to do. I commend UT for their decision. The decision that UT took reflected the pride that prevails at the university. I am sure that Buck wasn’t alone with his opinion. The only difference is that he posted his. Obviously white votes, hispanic, Asian and Blacks were needed for President Elect Obama to win the election. He did win. It took the votes of all races to come together to accomplish this.
We as a people had an option and an alternative for chocies of election.
It was reflected in the election. Buck also had an alternative and an option. An option of NOT posting his view points of that nature.
All in all only Buck will have to pay the price for his posting. A price that he will have to live with knowing that trying to be “cool” at the spur of the moment can be costly. America is a melting pot and racism has moved towards a different stance from yesterday. Buck should have taken a look at the poll percentages and he would have noticed this. Buck should have taken a look at the faces that were campaigning for President Obama. Buck should have taken a look at the faces that were at the polls.
Buck , the faces that were there for all of these events reflected what we are today…”America”. A melting point of today. You will do fine Buck in life because you have learned a valuable lesson..the hard way.
There’s no need to post what nationality or race I am..it doesn’t matter.
I am and represent a person proud to be an American period!
reply to #16
Brooke
November 7th, 2008 at 10:44 am
He screwed up and needs to pay a price. But I think putting him off the team permanently is too high a price.
He seems very contrite. I’m not excusing his actions because they were both stupid and offensive, not just to the team but to almost all Americans. He also reflected very poorly on the University and the football team.
But, he’s a kid and kids make mistakes. I accept his apology.
I think he should be forced to sit out the remainder of the season but be welcomed back beginning with winter workouts and spring practice.
At the same time, he needs to know that from here on out he has no strikes left and even the slightest slip-up will get him off the team.
If he can live with these conditions, his departure from the team shouldn’t be permanent. But kicking him off permanently for his facebook statement is a bit too severe a punishment.
reply to #17
Rick Rilling
November 7th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I agree that he should be let back on the team. What he said was truly stupid, but his apology sounds heartfelt. Bottom line: If he is truly racist, kicking him off the team will not fix the issue. Forcing him to confront the real world implications and effects of his actions while dealing with his black teamates on a daily basis seems the best way to deal with it long term.
reply to #18
Stan
November 7th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I dont beleive your so called apology is sincere. You are only sorry because your DUMBASS got caught. If you did not truly beleive your post that you received from some one else…YOU WOULD NOT HAVE REPEATED IT…you would have deleted the message. So take your apology and shove it up your ass.
reply to #19
j
November 7th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
He paid the price for his mistake.
He apologized…nothing much more the kid can do.
I do not agree with what he said but it’s his (as well as EVERY Amercian’s right under the 1st Amendment) right to speak.
reply to #20
T Neals
November 7th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I am a 22 year old black male Buck i forgive you. u just wanted mccain to win u got caught up in ur emotions everyone deserves a second chance he appoligized for what he did so buck gud luck in life
reply to #21
L ripani
November 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Now you’re full of remorse only because you got caught.
Your true feelings are inside. This was not a lapse of judgement. This was a hateful heart finally showing itself. It’s beyong racist.
Its just hateful. You need some soul searching.
reply to #22
Mack Brown
November 7th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
@Brian: As a coach i feel that i had to make a very difficult decision. That being said, i cannot tolerate racism on my team and since i am still very much in love with my boyfriend vince young and he is deeply offended by what has been said, i had no choice but to can that honky! so what if im a gay middle aged white man with a black boyfriend, im still the coach and yall have to live with it!
reply to #23
BOX
November 7th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
shut the hell up jermain,what she wrote is 100% networth,stop acting like this stuff doesn’t exist especially in texas,if your family went through hate like brothers and sisters been through then yo punk ass would think different about the situation, ol boy is a liar anyway,but through it all,i still don’t think he should be kicc’d off the team,they should make that fool live with that the whole time he’s there,or put him in a position that our people went through in those times,he’d get the picture then yell
http://www.myspace.com/panhandoelrcorp
reply to #24
Shannon
November 7th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Hats off to Mack Brown for taking a stand on this. I am sure that the team will be better off in the long run as a result of this decision. Although Buck wrote a brilliant apology, the thoughts came from somewhere. Buck, it is a good time to do some soul-searching.
reply to #25
Lawrence
November 7th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Mack Brown wouldn’t have gotten another self-respecting black recruit in the next ten years if he hadn’t done that. Not to mention the other teams. How about the general student body that could find it more hospitible elsewhere. I would expect that KKKind of “teammate” at A&M, before I would have at Texas. Perception is Reality!
reply to #26
Lawrence
November 7th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Listen up coaches– I’m all for giving second chances, but, if any other school pickes him up– better already have a reputation for being racist like A&M (so kids/parents know what their getting beforehand) or your recruiting will be toast.
reply to #27
jph
November 7th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I know this child, and can swear he is not a racist. The last thing on his mind was to insult the nation as well as his teammates. He is a good kid with very upstanding parents that have raised him to be a good christen. He is a member of a church where one of the pastors is a black and that pastor is a blessing to the church. He had a moment of stupidity as all young people do. I can’t even imagine Buck would incite such controversy. He has been in my home and has been a true gentleman. I can say that his apology is heartfelt. I could never see Buck in the light that has been painted on him. He loves his teammates and is not one to do harm. This defamation of his character not only disturbs me but makes me think America has become more intolerable than we want to believe. His words were wrong, but no worse than anyone else on either side. He is remorseful. He did no worse than use the right of freedom of speech. Buck was wrong to voice such opinion, but no more so than anyone else. This has been a hotly debated election. Those who deny such are in a dream land. Buck received a punishment that goes beyond what was required. Maybe suspension for the rest of the year, but not kicked off the team. He is not a young man that cannot learn from his mistakes. It makes me sad to think the nation is taking this as an issue. I know he means no harm to President-elect Obama. It would never occur to him that his message on facebook could indict such controversy. I am truly disappointed in a America that can’t understand a childish mishap and allow the coins to fall where they may. Buck being with his teammates would have consequences of it’s own and those he would have to deal with. This being a national media event says that our media has nothing better to cover. Sad.
I have to say tolerances have been made for drug abusers and felons for the sake of championship. I am not sure which is worse.
reply to #28
Ellen
November 7th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Mr Burnette apologized to the University, his coach and football team, but no where in his statement did he apologize to President-elect Obama. I think Mr. Burnette has some unfinished business and needs to formally apologize to Mr. Obama and the school needs to go one step further and put Mr. Burnette on suspension.
reply to #29
Mandy
November 7th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
What he said was stupid, however, if he wasn’t a UT football player, and not so popular on facebook just for the fact that he is a UT football player, nothing would have happened. If this was some regular college person, then nothing would have been done to them for posting something stupid on facebook. He made a dumb mistake but I don’t believe that he said it with intentions to hurt anybody. I don’t think he should have been kicked off the team. If Mack can keep people on his team that are getting DUIs and DWIs and spending nights in jail then he sure as heck can keep someone on his team for making a dumb comment on something like facebook. Don’t get me wrong, I still think his actions were idiotic and he shouldn’t have said it but I think he was punished in the wrong way.
reply to #30
black army vet
November 7th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I hate it that he lost his scholarship. We all make mistakes, and we should all be given a second chance.
reply to #31
black army vet
November 7th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Yea i can’t stand white racist trash. I was all around them in the army but I have to remember the red necks who had my back and loved me like a brother. We know ignorant fools are out there but young people make mistakes. I hate Mc Cain and i think he is a big piece of white trash and I really don’t like that big piece of white trash Bush but I respect him because he is the President of the United States. This young man needs to respect Obama because he is the President elect. Mack Brown should suspend hime for the rest of the year but don’t take his scholarship, this will only make him have more hate for blacks.
reply to #32
L G R
November 8th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Very well said!
reply to #33
Ellen
November 8th, 2008 at 1:41 am
@Mandy:
U.S. Code collectionmain page faq index search
US CODE COLLECTION
TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 41 > § 871Prev | Next § 871. Threats against President and successors to the Presidency
(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully deposits for conveyance in the mail or for a delivery from any post office or by any letter carrier any letter, paper, writing, print, missive, or document containing any threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, the President-elect, the Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the office of President of the United States, or the Vice President-elect, or knowingly and willfully otherwise makes any such threat against the President, President-elect, Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the office of President, or Vice President-elect, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both
Burnette and others making similar comments can get into deep trouble. The following is the U.S. Code that cites such:
reply to #34
Tom
November 8th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
What Burnette said is grossly offensive on every level. I think his punishment should be to write a paper on the history of race killings and lynchings. Such violence is real and it is recent. It is no joke.
reply to #35
Kat
November 9th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Thank you Mandy for your posting. Getting kicked off of the football team is heart breaking for him I know ,but according to the US codes…..it could have been worse.
So on that note Mr. Burnette do some soul searching, chalk one up for the giper, pick up the pieces, move forward in a productive manner, take heed and learn a lesson and continue on in life.
You made your apology and you made a mistake. We all make mistakes but not always under the scrutiny of everyone’s views . So it’s up to YOU whether you really feel true remorse .You posted an apology just as you made “your” posting initially. Everyone has posted their exact sentiments and you get the picture and I am sure that you have read the bashings.
Just learn from your mistake and move forward. There’s nothing else to be said.
Good luck in the future.
reply to #36
Kat
November 9th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Sorry, it was Ellen who made the posting of the US Codes.
reply to #37
fball mamma
November 10th, 2008 at 11:59 am
blame the town of wimberley. as we have seen in the paper lately, that town drools hate and christian hypocrisy. wimberley-take a good look at yourself and what you have become in the eyes of texas. you need to wake up…you need to evolve..you need to create upstanding citizens not those that parrot the 1950 values you propogate. Does wimberley have a single african american teacher in any of its 4 schools? hispanics not teaching spanish? Did they when BB went thru? How could BB become anything other than what he has become in that environment? And for the record the punishment was too harsh, kids make stupid mistakes and coming from that backward town he never had a chance.
reply to #38
Raul
November 10th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
As a Hispanic Longhorn fan, I was really saddened by what this individual wrote. I grew up in a very segregated town in west texas and I experienced my share of racism, even in the churches and schools. You should have seen their faces when I graduated Valedictorian of my class. Oh, coach Brown, what about giving me that spot on the team? I won’t let you or the Texas fans down.
reply to #39
nativetexan
November 11th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
@Jermain:
It is about race in this case.
You also sound spoonfed, however with you it was right wing neo-conservatism from your parents and profs.