VanMeter banned from Keeneland sales and racing until further notice
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Keeneland issued a statement on Wednesday, taking action against longtime horseman, Tom VanMeter, after he made racist statements on social media.
“Effective immediately, Tom VanMeter will be excluded from the Keeneland premises, including participation by VanMeter and VanMeter-Gentry Sales in sales and racing activities, while Keeneland further reviews the circumstances related to the recent reprehensible comments VanMeter made on social media,” the release said. “Keeneland takes its role in advancing inclusion and diversity seriously. But we know that we as a company, an industry and a society have much work to do. Only through listening and concrete action can we hope to live up to our values of respect, community and equality.”
VanMeter, who used a racial slur in reference to the National Football League, issued an apology that ran in the Thoroughbred Daily News.
“Certainly, I am frustrated with the current social situation in our country,” VanMeter said. “However, what I wrote was unjustifiable. I was wrong and am disgusted by my actions.”
VanMeter’s son posted on Facebook, saying that his father has harbored racist views for some time, and he hope that the recent consequences will serve as a call to change.
“I hope my Dad can unlearn the racism that was taught to him and that he later taught to me,” Griffin VanMeter said. “I hope that he can learn love, acceptance, and promotion of all people.” Related: Keeneland may ban VanMeter from sales after racist social media posts
“Effective immediately, Tom VanMeter will be excluded from the Keeneland premises, including participation by VanMeter and VanMeter-Gentry Sales in sales and racing activities, while Keeneland further reviews the circumstances related to the recent reprehensible comments VanMeter made on social media,” the release said. “Keeneland takes its role in advancing inclusion and diversity seriously. But we know that we as a company, an industry and a society have much work to do. Only through listening and concrete action can we hope to live up to our values of respect, community and equality.”
VanMeter, who used a racial slur in reference to the National Football League, issued an apology that ran in the Thoroughbred Daily News.
“Certainly, I am frustrated with the current social situation in our country,” VanMeter said. “However, what I wrote was unjustifiable. I was wrong and am disgusted by my actions.”
VanMeter’s son posted on Facebook, saying that his father has harbored racist views for some time, and he hope that the recent consequences will serve as a call to change.
“I hope my Dad can unlearn the racism that was taught to him and that he later taught to me,” Griffin VanMeter said. “I hope that he can learn love, acceptance, and promotion of all people.” Related: Keeneland may ban VanMeter from sales after racist social media posts
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