- Jun 11, 2014
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You can't get tone across through quotes but from everything I've seen there was nothing nasty, spiteful, accusatory or even slightly racist about the 'joke'.
If said in an angry manner "Make sure they don't bring Ebola with them" as he storms off then yes it could be racially motivated
but
If said in a chatty light hearted manner of "(ha) make sure they don't bring any Ebola over with them". I hate the phrase 'banter' but a football environment has far more banter of this kind than a typical office job.
Whilst intent is part of it... I don't think it's enough to excuse you of something. I wouldn't want anyone to say comments like that about me or my family. I personally wouldn't find it funny or see the joke in it. It's honestly a little bit racist no matter what the intent is.
I certainly think there's a difference between calling someone racist and saying that someone made a racist comment. In this case, I personally honestly believe that's a racist comment. Especially in the position that Sampson was in.