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Coach Frank Samuelson Responds To Racial Slurs On Facebook

By Lena Sullivan 12/14/2010 20:16:00

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Coach Frank Samuelson Responds To Racial Slurs On Facebook

SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- Comments a metro youth football coach made on his personal Facebook page have divided parents in Snellville.

Frank Samuelson coaches a 10-year-old team for the Brookwood Football Association.

Samuelson told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik by phone that he admits to posting what some might consider distasteful comments about ethnic minorities.

But, Samuelson said they were from conversations between him and several friends who are minorities.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Samuelson called Asians “Red Dots” and Hispanics “Beaners.”

Samuelson apologized for making the comments and voluntarily stepped down from the Brookwood board, but he’s still coaching.

He said the comments were taken out of context by parents not happy with decisions made by the board when he sat on it.

Samuelson said he’s hired an attorney and is considering a defamation lawsuit against those who are spreading the contents of his web page.

Tuesday night, parents were scheduled to hold their annual meeting, at which they’ll nominate members for next year’s board.

A source close to the board told Petchenik that bylaws prevent any new nominations, and that so far, none of the anti-Samuelson parents have submitted their names for consideration.

That source said if none of the nominated people get enough votes, the current board will remain.

That source expected some parents might ask for the removal of Samuelson as a coach and that they might attempt to oust the entire current sitting board.

Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik planned to attend the meeting on Tuesday night. He also obtained a copy of an apology letter from Samuelson.

I am writing to apologize for the recent events that have taken place within our park about me. This has been a very troubling time for each of you as well. The pieces of my Facebook posts that have been at the center of all of this were either done so in a mean spirited or misguided manner, and I want to take a few moments of your time to help clear the air,” wrote Samuelson.

“The things I remarked about were meant to be humorous or at least thought provoking in front of the eyes of my friends who make up a variety of different people of from every walk of life, race and many national origins. It really, really bothered me to think that people were offended by any of this because if anything, it was meant to either respond to some of my friend’s posts or poke at them in turn. It was never the intention of mine to make anyone feel offended,” Samuelson continued.

“In closing, the last several days have been very trying for me and my wife as we have watched this whole thing unfold. We have not involved our children in any of this, as we did not want to share our troubles with them. The last thing I want each and every one of you to know is that I love coaching your kids. There is and always will be a spot in my heart for your children, and I thank you all for sharing them with me,”

Samuelson concluded.