Vanderbilt defensive backs coach Dan Jackson reportedly supported comments made by Ye via Facebook. Ye has come under fire over the past few weeks for sharing antisemitic rhetoric over social media and in interviews with various sources.
Jackson appeared to support Ye’s position in a comment made from his personal Facebook account. The comment was captured by StopAntisemitism, an organization created to monitor and expose antisemitism in media. The Hustler was unable to independently confirm the validity of the posts.
“Kanye is two steps ahead of everyone,” Jackson’s comment reads. “He’s not crazy. People try to silence him because he thinks for himself. People don’t want that. Rappers and athletes are taught they need 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.”
In a Nov. 4 statement posted on Twitter at 8:55 p.m. CDT, Jackson apologized for his comments and said he took “full responsibility.”
“I want to sincerely apologize for recent comments that I made on social media. While it was certainly not my intern to offend, my wording was careless, and it was in poor judgment 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,” the statement reads.
Jackson added that he was “proud” to work at Vanderbilt, referring to it as a “diverse institution.”
“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,” the statement reads.
In a Nov. 4 statement posted on Twitter at 9:24 p.m. CDT, Athletic Director Candice Lee and Head Coach Clark Lea said they were “aware” of the concerns related to Jackson’s comment. They denounced antisemitism and discrimination in the statement.
“Although we have been assured these comments were not directed at any specific group, we are deeply disappointed by this situation and are handling it internally,” the statement reads. “The university and its athletics program are committed to creating and fostering a welcoming environment for all where differences are respected and all members of our community feel equal, valued and included.”
Jackson, Vanderbilt Athletics and the university did not immediately respond to The Hustler’s requests for comments.
Amid other comments, including questioning George Floyd’s manner of death, Ye has recently made several discriminatory remarks toward the Jewish community. In a since-removed tweet, Ye also remarked, “When I wake up, I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.”
“The Jewish community, especially in the music industry…they’ll take us and milk us till we die,” Ye said in a recent interview.
Ye has subsequently lost a number of his high-profile endorsements, including Gap and Adidas, and no longer holds the status of a billionaire.
This piece will be updated as more information becomes available.
