UCLA runner dismissed for using racial and sexist slurs

Photo+of+the+accused+athlete.

Losangeles.cbslocal.com

Photo of the accused athlete.

UCLA has dismissed track and cross-country runner, Chris Weiland, after an anonymous user leaked an Instagram video of him allegedly using racial and sexist slurs.

Several people identified the person in the video as Weiland, who appeared to be describing relationship issues he was having with his girlfriend, while on the phone with his mom.

“When she says she doesn’t, you know, want to get back together, why do you think?” Weiland asked his mom. “It’s because she wants to be with this ******* f*** who has no future. She’s going to be with a stupid ****** who’s going to be in community college all his life,” said Weiland to his mom.

The Head Coach of the UCLA track and field and cross-country program, Avery Anderson, announced the dismissal of Weiland through a tweet, admitting the previous reinstatement of Weiland was a mistake. 

“In January, I decided to reinstate him to the team. However, after team members and the athletic community expressed concern, it became clear that his continued involvement with the team is incompatible with the culture of mutual support and respect we’re fostering. I now realize that the decision to reinstate him was not the right decision and that the action today is best for the well-being of our team” said Anderson (Runnersworld).

Although Weiland has been kicked off both the cross-country and track teams, the UCLA community is outraged since he has yet been expelled from the school.

“The racist actions that took place by a member of the cross country team are unacceptable and disrespectful, and we at BSAA refuse to acc

Racist and vulgar texts sent by the athlete. (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

ept the actions of that athlete, as well as the lack of action to address the issue by the coaches, staff, and administration. We do not feel safe with this person on campus, and we demand UCLA athletics take action immediately and remove this student from the team” – UCLA’s Black Student-Athlete Alliance.

Weiland has yet to reply to any of the allegations. His last race as a Bruin was Feb. 19, right before getting kicked off. 

“I think it’s really bad what he said and got what he deserved. I find it immature that he hasn’t apologized or at least try to explain himself; it’s pathetic. I do feel bad though. As bad of a mistake it is, people live and learn, and I think a suspension of a season or two is a fair punishment,” said freshman Highlander, Ferdinand Viereck, a varsity cross-country runner. 

Weiland ran a personal best of 4:08.35 in the 1600m as a Bruin. While this placed him 12th at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Indoor Championship, Weiland had the potential to score for his team in the upcoming seasons.