said Malone\u2019s attorney<\/a>, Doug Churdar. \u201cIt\u2019s different for government or public employers. They cannot ignore the First Amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn January 5th, Malone tweeted “Congratulations to the state GA and Fat Albert @staceyabrams because you have truly shown America the true works of cheating in an election, again!!! Enjoy the buffet Big Girl!! You earned it!!! Hope the money is good, still not governor!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He later deleted the tweet but not before it was caught in screengrabs. According to the lawsuit, three former players saw it and expressed their disgust. His account was deleted the next night, which was the day the capital was stormed by MAGA loving supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suit alleges that Malone heard nothing of the tweet until January 7th, when coach Wright called him to say the incident had gone \u201cover his head\u201d and to email his resignation. Later that day, the university announced his firing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, Wharton, without calling out Malone’s name, called the Tweet \u201ctotally inappropriate\u201d and \u201cappalling.\u201d Wright added that the post violated the program\u2019s standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the AP, Tennessee is a right to hire state, which means anyone can be fired at any moment for any reason.<\/p>