BC Lions defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell has been handed a single-game suspension and fine for tweeting a derogatory slur about Chinese people.
Mitchell’s football club issued a statement Wednesday afternoon confirming he would not be in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Edmonton Eskimos.
“Let me state very clearly on behalf of our entire organization that Khalif’s message was completely inappropriate and we apologize to anyone who was offended by it,” BC Lions president Dennis Skulsky said.
The offending tweet was sent in the form of a comment on Tuesday’s U.S. presidential debate.
“My Teamate (sic) said who I think Won the debate. I said the American Ppl. Cause if they watched carefully BOTH OF THEM Hide Money with the Chinks,” Mitchell wrote.
Twitter users responded with scorn, some labeling Mitchell a racist, and the BC Lion responded by claiming he didn’t know the term was offensive.
“So I Never knew “Chink” was racist. I def. meant no harm. I was referring to Obama & Romney putting their person trust in Chinese Banks,” he tweeted.
Skulsky acknowleged the player’s apology, but said the club felt Mitchell should be punished regardless.
The CFL wasn’t satisfied Mitchell’s off-field defensive maneuvers either, announcing Wednesday that he has been fined for violating the league’s social media policy.
The amount of the fine was not disclosed, as per CFL policy.
According to the league’s website, players are subject to discipline if they post anything to social media that is obscene, sexually explicit, discriminating or that disparages teams, officials, players, employees or fans.
