Athletes cut or suspended over old posts

Pro, college and high school athletes, including recruits, whose consequences ranged from a rescinded scholarship or ended contract to a league fine. 10 published news cases, 2012 to 2026.

Scan yours first Every case links to its news source. Names left out on purpose.

Compiled by Dave Fradette · Updated October 20, 2026

7 of 10cases ended with the person losing the job, seat, admission or license.
4 of 8cases with a known age involved content a year or more old.

In 7 of the 10 the person lost the role: 4 were dismissed, 2 had an offer or admission rescinded, 1 had another outcome. In the other 3 they kept it, regained it or faced a suspension or reprimand instead. The content most often concerned race (6), gender (4), religion (1).

By type: post or comment (5), video (4), private messages (1).

4 of the 8 cases with a stated age involved content a year or more old.

These counts come from cases collected here. They are not a survey and say nothing about how often this happens. Names are left out, and each case links to its source.

The 10 cases

Lost the role2026Pro sprinter in an elite training groupA video using a racial slur and a Snapchat joke the outlets called racistVideoAthletes
What surfaced
A video using a racial slur and a Snapchat joke the outlets called racist
How old it was
About 7 years, posted as a teenager
How it came out
A social media user reposted them on Instagram, TikTok and X
Outcome
The training group said he should leave under its code of conduct; he apologized
What to look for in your own history
Videos aren't read by the scan today. Review public videos by hand.
Source: CITIUS Mag, Us Weekly via Yahoo Sports
Lost the role2022High school quarterback committed to a major college program, FloridaA video of him rapping along to a racial slur, per the outletsVideoAthletes
What surfaced
A video of him rapping along to a racial slur, per the outlets
How it came out
A video surfaced on social media
Outcome
The university withdrew his scholarship offer; he apologized
What to look for in your own history
Videos aren't read by the scan today. Review public videos by hand.
Source: CBS News, CBS Sports
Lost the role2021Division I lacrosse player, Milwaukee, WIA video the university said showed racist language, including a slurVideoAthletes
What surfaced
A video the university said showed racist language, including a slur
How it came out
A video surfaced on social media Monday night; the university was notified that evening
Outcome
Permanently removed from the team the next morning
What to look for in your own history
Videos aren't read by the scan today. Review public videos by hand.
Source: Marquette Wire, FOX6 Milwaukee
Kept or regained it2021Pro cricketer, EnglandTweets from 2012 to 2014, when he was 18 to 20, described as racist and sexistPost or commentAthletes
What surfaced
Tweets from 2012 to 2014, when he was 18 to 20, described as racist and sexist
How old it was
7 to 9 years
How it came out
Resurfaced during his Test debut
Outcome
Eight-match ban, five matches suspended for two years; three were deemed served, so he was free to play immediately
What to look for in your own history
Posts or comments a stranger could read as demeaning a group, mocking a tragedy or wishing harm on someone.
Source: Sussex Cricket, Gulf News
Lost the role2021NBA center, Miami, FLAn antisemitic slur used during a Twitch livestream of a video gameVideoAthletes
What surfaced
An antisemitic slur used during a Twitch livestream of a video game
How old it was
Days
How it came out
A clip spread on Twitter
Outcome
The NBA fined him $50,000 and suspended him for a week; Miami traded him eight days later and Oklahoma City waived him. He next played in the NBA on a 10-day contract in 2023
What to look for in your own history
Videos aren't read by the scan today. Review public videos by hand.
Source: Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports
Lost the role2020NHL forwardGroup-chat messages the league called misogynistic about teammates' partnersPrivate messagesAthletes
What surfaced
Group-chat messages the league called misogynistic about teammates' partners
How old it was
Current
How it came out
Screenshots of a private Instagram group chat leaked
Outcome
Team ended his contract two days later; he apologized
What to look for in your own history
Private chats and messages aren't in account exports. Assume anything you send can be screenshotted.
Source: CBS Sports, AP via WSLS
Kept or regained it2018MLB pitcherTweets CBS called racist and homophobicPost or commentAthletes
What surfaced
Tweets CBS called racist and homophobic
How old it was
6 to 7 years, posted at 17
How it came out
Surfaced during the All-Star Game
Outcome
Sensitivity training; kept his job
What to look for in your own history
Posts or comments a stranger could read as demeaning a group, mocking a tragedy or wishing harm on someone.
Source: CBS Sports, WPR
Kept or regained it2018College quarterback, hours before the NFL draftTweets with racial slurs, per the outletsPost or commentAthletes
What surfaced
Tweets with racial slurs, per the outlets
How old it was
5 to 6 years, posted in high school
How it came out
A national outlet published them the night before the draft
Outcome
Apologized and deleted them; still drafted in the first round
What to look for in your own history
Posts or comments a stranger could read as demeaning a group, mocking a tragedy or wishing harm on someone.
Source: Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports
Lost the role2014High school football recruit committed to an SEC programSocial media posts the head coach said the program "didn't like"Post or commentAthletes
What surfaced
Social media posts the head coach said the program "didn't like"
How old it was
Current
How it came out
The program's own vetting; he kept posting after a warning and a new handle
Outcome
Scholarship offer rescinded
What to look for in your own history
Posts or comments a stranger could read as demeaning a group, mocking a tragedy or wishing harm on someone.
Source: Education Week, AP via Fox News
Lost the role2012Top high school football recruit, New JerseyTweets the outlets called vulgar and x-ratedPost or commentAthletes
What surfaced
Tweets the outlets called vulgar and x-rated
How old it was
Current
How it came out
His school saw the tweets
Outcome
Expelled from his school; his top college choice stopped recruiting him, per reports
What to look for in your own history
Posts or comments a stranger could read as demeaning a group, mocking a tragedy or wishing harm on someone.
Source: Education Week, theGrio

More cases by group

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