Vanderbilt University defensive backs coach Dan Jackson will "step back" from his job within the football program while the university continues an internal review of his recent comment on social media defending antisemitic remarks by the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.
As reported by The Associated Press, Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee released a statement Monday night that Vanderbilt has gotten several questions and concerns over Jackson's comment on Facebook. She said an internal review began immediately with the issue now referred to the Equal Opportunity and Access office.
"It is important the university follow its standard process and conduct a thorough review of the complexities of this incident," Lee said in a statement. "Coach Jackson and I have agreed that he will step back from his responsibilities with the team during the Equal Opportunity and Access office's review."
Jackson coached in Vanderbilt's 39-27 loss to South Carolina on Saturday after issuing an apology for a comment saying Ye, as West is now referring to himself, was "two steps ahead of everyone else."
"He's not crazy," Jackson wrote in a Facebook post, according to NBC affiliate WSMV in Nashville. “People try to silence him because he thinks for himself. People don’t want that. Rappers and athletes are taught to think the same as the media/politicians. If they have an opinion that is opposite the mainstream, they’re called crazy. More people need to wake up and speak their mind.”
Jackson's apology, released Friday, read, "I want to sincerely apologize for recent comments that I made on social media. While it was certainly not my intent to offend, my wording was careless, and it was in poor judgement to wade into such a discussion without the full context. My comments were in no way reflective of our program or university, and I accept full responsibility for my words and will learn from this experience going forward. To be clear, antisemitism has no place in our society, and I reject all forms of hate. I’m embarrassed by my mistake but proud to work at a diverse institution where we can learn from each other’s cultures. I promise to be better moving forward for myself, our program and our institution.”
Lee and head coach Clark Lea issued a statement saying the situation was being handled internally.
Ye has lost sponsors over antisemitic comments in interviews and social media. In one post, Ye said that he was launching "def con 3 on Jewish people." His posts, which drew the attention and ire of StopAntisemitism.com, led to his suspension from both Twitter and Instagram, as well as his being dropped by sponsors such as adidas.
Vanderbilt, which as lost 26 consecutive Southeastern Conference games, visits Kentucky this Saturday.
