TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State University has responded to a racist social media post made against head football coach Willie Taggart.
- Florida State responds to racist social media post
- Image depicted Willie Taggart being lynched
- The post sparked outrage online
A meme posted in a Facebook group for FSU fans depicted Taggart being lynched with the words, "Believe in Something Even If Means Sacrificing Your Rep."
The image, which was posted by a user by the name of Tom Shand, has since been deleted. But fans saved screenshots of the post, which quickly spread across social media.
"A recent racist social media post aimed at our football coach is ignorant and despicable," FSU President John Thrasher said in a statement. "I speak for the entire FSU community in expressing our disgust and extreme disappointment, and I am glad the state attorney is investigating."
Thrasher added that Taggart has the university's full support.
The post came after the Seminoles finished the season with a 41-14 loss to rival Florida on Saturday.
Many FSU fans on Sunday called for Shand to be fired from his job.
Hilton Grand Vacations, Shand's employer issued a statement Sunday evening, saying he has been suspended.
"Our concern regarding this situation is a top priority," a spokesperson said in an email. "The team member responsible has been suspended while further action is being considered. We want to ensure all team members' behavior is consistent with our values and code of conduct."