Mark Kimbrough, the men’s basketball coach at Pensacola Junior College for the last two decades, has been fired by the school for making “racially insensitive” remarks.
Kimbrough was placed on administrative leave in September after calling then-freshman guard Chris Polite a racial slur during an early-morning practice.
The school’s investigation into the incident revealed that Kimbrough also used racially insensitive language in text messages to players.
In a letter informing Kimbrough of his termination, Pensacola State College President Edward Meadows wrote that Kimbrough’s actions “were not isolated incidents, but rather a pattern of behavior.”
“Your behavior has created a hostile environment for the student-athletes under your supervision,” Meadows wrote. “It has also damaged the reputation of Pensacola State College.”
Kimbrough has since publicly apologized for his remarks, saying that he is “deeply remorseful for the pain and embarrassment I have caused to my players, their families, and the entire Pensacola community.”
He also said he understands the seriousness of his actions and is committed to learning from his mistakes.
“I am committed to learning from this experience and becoming a better person,” Kimbrough said. “I hope that one day I can be forgiven for my actions and given the opportunity to redeem myself.”