The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler

The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
Since 1888
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler

The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler

The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.

BREAKING: Vanderbilt football assistant coach Dan Jackson reportedly backs Ye’s recent comments

Jackson recently supported Ye via Facebook, who has made various antisemitic and otherwise discriminatory comments through the media.
Photo+depicting+the+McGugin+Center%2C+as+photographed+on+Sept.+27%2C+2022.+%28Hustler+Multimedia%2FSaky+Nguy%E1%BB%85n%29
Saky Nguyễn
Photo depicting the McGugin Center, as photographed on Sept. 27, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Saky Nguyễn)

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.

View comments (4)
About the Contributors
Anish Mago, Deputy Sports Editor
Anish Mago ('24) is from West Windsor, N.J., and is studying economics and political science in the College of Arts and Science. He previously served as a staff writer for the Sports section. When not writing for The Hustler, Anish enjoys playing basketball and rooting for all Philly sports. He can be reached at .
Andrew Wilf, Sports Editor
Andrew Wilf (’24) is Sports Editor for The Vanderbilt Hustler. He is from Livingston, N.J., and is majoring in history and minoring in business. He joined the sports staff his freshman year, previously serving as a Staff Writer, Assistant Sports Editor and Deputy Sports Editor. Beyond writing for The Hustler, he is also the host of Anchor Analysis, Commodore Clash and Live From West End. In his free time, Andrew enjoys watching the NFL and playing golf. He can be reached at [email protected].
Saky Nguyễn, Former Staff Photographer
Saky Nguyen ('26) is majoring in neuroscience and minoring in computer science and cinema media and arts in the College of Arts and Sciences. Nguyen was a sports photographer for her hometown and her own photography business throughout high school, which she plans to continue during her time at Vanderbilt. Outside of photography, she films music videos and models for companies. She can be reached at [email protected].
More to Discover

Comments (4)

The Vanderbilt Hustler welcomes and encourages readers to engage with content and express opinions through the comment sections on our website and social media platforms. The Hustler reserves the right to remove comments that contain vulgarity, hate speech, personal attacks or that appear to be spam, commercial promotion or impersonation. The comment sections are moderated by our Editor-in-Chief, Rachael Perrotta, and our Social Media Director, Chloe Postlewaite. You can reach them at [email protected] and [email protected].
All The Vanderbilt Hustler picks Reader picks Sort: Newest
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
4 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
S
Suzanne Sugar
1 year ago

Thank you to The Hustler staff for showing that this should not be acceptable! Come on, Vanderbilt leadership- put your foot down.

E
Enough is enough
1 year ago

Disgusting. He can’t even win a football game. Fire him or we will see what Vanderbilt really stands for.

A
Anon
1 year ago

If the Athletic Department will not do something, the Board of Trust must step in. I wonder if there are any Trustees who oppose anti-semitism?

L
L’Cheim
1 year ago

Fire him now. Vanderbilt likes this stuff?