Carley was directly tagged in the clip, which was posted on social media along with a caption describing the content as “disgusting and sad.”
In the clip, a man whom the user identified as Carley can be heard making racist remarks, repeating the n-word multiple times and suggesting if he would put them in a chamber and burn them.
Shortly after the recording was posted on Twitter, OSU said the student would be met with “immediate action by OSU Athletics and the University”, before Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith confirmed Carley had been struck off the team.
“I became aware of the comments made by Rocco Carley earlier this evening. I immediately shared the audio with [OSU Athletic Director] Scott Barnes,” Smith said in a statement.
“We both agreed this language and attitude is unacceptable, regardless of circumstance or environment. I spoke with Rocco and dismissed him from the team. I will not tolerate racism or hate speech.”
In a separate statement, Barnes he was “disgusted” by the comments.
“We are both disgusted by the comments made and agreed wholeheartedly that dismissing the student-athlete from the team is necessary and appropriate action,” he said.
“Racism of any kind is unacceptable on the Oregon State campus and within our athletic department.”
In a note he shared on Twitter, Carley said he was “ashamed of my actions” and that the video dated back to three years ago.
“To my family, my community and everyone I have associated with, I’m sorry,” he wrote. “This video was taken about three years ago in a group chat where me and my friends were saying stupid things. This does not condone anything of what I’ve said, but I promise to you all that this video does not represent me.”
However, he maintained he was not racist and that the audio clip was simply an immature joke among friends.
“I was doing an accent of a southern man and giving a very satire [sic] example of what we all thought would be funny.
“This is no way, shape or form makes what I said right. I am truthfully sorry to everyone I have hurt and offended, and I understand that I have not represented me or my family in any positive way during this situation.
“To all of my brothers, teammates and everyone of color that I have associated with, I hope that you know I am in no way, shape or form a racist. Again, I apologise and I could not be more ashamed of my actions.”
Carley’s name no longer appears on the Beavers roster, but it is not yet clear whether he will remain as a student at OSU.
“Oregon State University does not approve of discrimination in any form. This recording is not in keeping with the values of the university community and its commitment to providing a safe, welcome and inclusive community,” an OSU spokesperson told Newsweek.
“Due to federal student confidentiality rules, I cannot talk about a specific student’s academic standing at the university.
“I can share that in matters involving student conduct and community standards, we fully and promptly investigate and evaluate concerns, complaints or reported behavior that may be in violation of university policy or threaten the safety, wellness, and educational focus of students.
“Determinations of a student’s responsibility may result in a variety of actions that could include suspension, or expulsion from school or participation in educational programs that would foster change in a person’s behavior.”
This article was updated with a statement by an OSU spokesperson.
