UCLA has dismissed runner Chris Weiland from its track and cross country teams over video and text messages featuring racist and homophobic slurs.
Unclear exactly when the video was shot — but it’s bad. During the footage, which has gone viral, Weiland can be seen and heard griping to a woman about a girl he believes cheated on him.
During the conversation, which takes place at night inside of a car, Weiland bashes his lover’s other man … calling him the n-word and the homophobic f-word.
When complaining to the woman on the call, Weiland says his lover “wants to be with this f**king f****t who has no future. She’s going to be with a stupid n****r who’s going to be in community college all his life.”
When the woman on the call urges Weiland to calm down and control his emotions, Weiland threatens to “beat the f**k” out of the other guy.
Video of the conversation was posted on Instagram this week and it BLEW UP quick — with star UCLA athletes including gymnast Margzetta Frazier calling for the University to take swift action.
Weiland allegedly sent text messages to his ex-lover using similar offensive language. Those text messages were also posted to social media.
UCLA track coach Avery Anderson issued a statement Monday saying Weiland has been dismissed from the program.
But, Avery also confirms he was aware of the video months ago — and suspended him — before eventually allowing Weiland back on the track and cross country teams.
“When first learning of this a few months ago, I was disgusted and immediately suspended him indefinitely from the team,” Anderson said.
So, why was he reinstated? Anderson says he wanted to give Weiland an opportunity to learn and grow from his mistakes.
“Even in my disgust, as a coach, my intentions are always to lead and educate and make the change happen that I want to see in this world. I can talk about changing the world, or I can put in the work to do so. And that is what I have done over the last few months with this individual. In January, I decided to reinstate him to the team.”
Now, Anderson says he’s had a change of heart.
“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.”
Weiland was listed as a senior on UCLA’s official website — and competed for the program just last week at the Dave Murray Invitational in Tucson.
