UCLA Track and Cross Country Runner Chris Weiland has been dismissed from the team this past Monday. A video and text messages emerged on Sunday of him using racial, sexist, and homophobic slurs.
Weiland sent a text full of hate to his former girlfriend after finding out she was involved with a black man. A video was also released of him talking to his mother about the situation. He again used slurs against the man and seconds later started crying.
The Director of Track/Field and Cross Country Avery Anderson released this statement on the situation:
“Chris Weiland has been dismissed as a member of the cross country and track and field teams. When first learning of this a few months ago, I was disgusted and immediately suspended him indefinitely from the team,” 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. However, 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.”
UCLA’s Black Student-Athlete Alliance released this statement on their Instagram account this past Sunday pushing for Weiland’s punishment:
“The racist actions that took place by a member of the cross country team are unacceptable and disrespectful, and we at BSAA refuse to accept the actions of that athlete, as well as the lack of action to address the issue by the coaches, staff, and administration. We do not feel safe with this person on campus, and we demand UCLA athletics take action immediately and remove this student from the team.”
Weiland has since deleted his Instagram account.
