Framingham Football Coaches Fired Over Racist Messages

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Three Framingham Youth Football coaches were fired this week for exchanging racist text messages, according to reports. The Framingham Baseball League also moved to ban the coaches from that sport.

Framingham Youth Football President Jason Smith told WCVB on Wednesday that the three coaches were fired after sending racist messages about black people in group chats. Images of the chats were also sent to the MetroWest Daily News.

The Massachusetts Youth Football Alliance, which sets standards for youth football, said that the entire youth football community would condemn this racist behavior.

"We are aware of the accusations made towards coaches and administrators today within the Framingham Youth Football program. The situation has been turned over to the proper authorities and is currently being investigated," the group said in a statement posted on Twitter.

In a statement Thursday, the Framingham Baseball League said its board had taken notice of the incident.

"This is an issue that Framingham Baseball League takes very seriously. Our mission is to provide a safe, positive environment for the youth of Framingham and believe it is of the utmost importance that our community be inclusive to all. It is our policy that those involved with our children represent the values of our community, and any inappropriate behavior should be reported immediately," the statement read. "Framingham Baseball League supports the decision made by Framingham Youth Football and Cheerleading. Those individuals involved in this incident will also be prohibited from representing Framingham Baseball League in any official activities indefinitely."

In mid-October, two middle school students at McAuliffe Charter School were accused of sending antisemitic posts on Snapchat. That prompted Mayor Yvonne Spicer to send out a call for action to stop racism and antisemitism.

"As mayor, I've responded to numerous events of racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and antisemitism. It's not enough to have vigils, prayer services, and condolence statements. We need action!" she said in the statement.