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Vol Network Reporter Kasey Funderburg Denounces Racist Tweet, Then Resigns And Apologizes For Her Own Use Of N-Word In High School

Posted byBy Jarod Hector | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

Kasey Funderburg, who resigned as University of Tennessee sports reporter and Vol Network sideline reporter, apologized for “offensive language” she used on Twitter when she was in high school.

“The comments I tweeted as a high school student were unacceptable and ignorant,” Funderburg wrote in a statement and posted on her Twitter account.

“I sincerely apologize for using offensive language and to anyone I hurt or offended with those remarks. I take full responsibility for my actions. This language is not appropriate in any context and has not been part of my vocabulary since then.”

 

Funderburg’s old tweets came to light after she called out the popular troll account Richard G. West. The account has fooled a lot of people on Twitter over the years, including ESPN following the Vols’ win over Alabama.

“Tennessee will wear black uniforms against Kentucky this Saturday. West shared the news along with a racist comment saying the university would be asking fans to paint their faces black for the game.”

Funderburg allegedly quote tweeted West’s tweet telling fans they shouldn’t fall for the tweet and that it was a hurtful and negative comment.

“THIS IS A FAKE ACCOUNT and it’s disgusting that this person thinks putting out a joke like this is okay. Please don’t believe everything you read on Twitter,” she posted.
After Fundberburg’s tweet gained RT’s and likes, internet sleuths discovered her old tweets in 2013 and 2014 where she used the “n-word” and racial slurs.
UT did not provide a reason for her departure only stating she resigned.
“At the University of Tennessee, I worked in the athletic department and joined the University’s Diversity and Inclusion group which afforded me the opportunity to learn additional valuable lessons about the viewpoints of people from different races, cultures, and countries, as well as the strength that such diversity provides,” her statement continued.
“Moving forward, I will continue my work to be a better ally so that I may promote a more inclusive society where everyone is welcome. Thank you to all the University of Tennessee teams I covered, my co-workers and fans who have supposed me over the years. I remain grateful. Sincerely, Kasey.”
This is the internet in 2022. If you’re a public figure and choose to call something out or bring attention to it, know that there are people on the internet who are actively looking to dig up your worst moments and put them on front street.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen someone speak out on racism only for past tweets of said person using the “n-word” or racial slurs to be dug up.
People are allowed to grow, mature and evolve. Incidents from their past as teenagers shouldn’t be held against them in perpetuity. We don’t know if Funderburg has the same mindset now as she did when she was younger. Perhaps she’s changed and is a more tolerant and inclusive person. Maybe she’s not.
Regardless, she now finds herself out of job and will likely have to answer questions and defend whether or not she is racist or holds racist views. Life comes at you fast.
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