AUSTIN, Texas -- Former Texas backup lineman Buck Burnette apologized Thursday for posting a racial slur on his Facebook page about Barack Obama being elected president.
Burnette, a sophomore who played in seven games this season, left the No. 5 Longhorns on Wednesday. The team said Burnette violated team rules but would not elaborate.
His Facebook page had been deleted Thursday.
In a statement sent to The Associated Press, Burnette said he "made a terrible decision" to post a text message he received about Obama's victory that contained a racial slur.
"That lack of judgment on my part has had devastating consequences," the statement read. "Those that know me understand that this is not a true reflection of my character. I sincerely apologize to everyone that I have offended. I have had the opportunity to apologize to my teammates and coaches and have received support from many of them in return."
Burnette started one game at center in 2007 as a redshirt freshman and was a high school star at Wimberley High School, near Austin.