Oregon State Dismisses Player Rocco Carley Following Release Of Racist Audio Comments

Oregon State University’s football program has dismissed redshirt freshman tight end Rocco Carley from the team. The announcement came in a statement Thursday morning by Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith. The decision comes on the heels of an audio file coming to light from three years ago with Carley saying derogatory and hate-filled speech toward African-Americans, homosexuals and Muslims. 

In his statement, Smith said that he and athletic director Scott Barnes both deemed it necessary to dismiss Carley because of his comments. “I became aware of the comments made by Rocco Carley earlier this evening,” he said. “I immediately shared the audio with Scott Barnes. We both agreed this language and attitude is entirely unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or environment. I spoke with Rocco and dismissed him from the team. I will not tolerate racism or hate speech.”

Carley also issued a statement Thursday morning, apologizing for his actions. “To my family, my community, and everyone I have associated with, I am sorry. This does not condone anything of what I have said, but I promise to you all that this video does not represent me. I was doing an accent of a Southern man and giving a very satirical example of what we all thought would be funny. This in no way, shape or form makes what I said right. This is no way shape or form makes what I said right. I am truthfully sorry to everyone I have hurt and offended, and I understand that I have not represented me or my family in any positive way during this situation. To all of my brothers, teammates and everyone of color that I have associated with, I hope that you know me well enough to know I am in no way shape or form a racist. Again I apologize, and I could not be more ashamed of my actions.”

Carley never saw the field for Oregon State during his time with the team.