Vandy athletics plans review after 'offensive' tweet

The Vanderbilt athletic department will undergo "an intense internal review of our social media practices" after a football tweet struck a nerve Thursday with an unintentional link to rape trials involving four former players.

Around 10 a.m., Vanderbilt football's official Twitter account (@VandyFootball) tweeted a graphic including a quote from head coach Derek Mason that said, "We don't need your permission."

The athletic department later removed the tweet and issued an apology about two hours later. Mason said after Thursday's practice that he "regretted that it went out and that it was offensive."

Vanderbilt spokesman Rod Williamson said the athletic department will be reviewing its social media practices.

The quote was part of Mason's "RTI" slogan this season — "Relentless, Tough and Intelligent," — which was also referenced in the tweet. But Twitter followers quickly saw it in a different light for the program that has dealt with the aftermath of a June 2013 rape of an unconscious female student allegedly involving four former football players.

Around 12:50 p.m., Vanderbilt football tweeted an apology: "We apologize for today’s tweet. It’s not a comment about sexual assault. Sex without permission is always wrong and not accepted. Sexual assault is not acceptable at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Athletics and Vanderbilt Football."

Mason's "permission" quote used by the Vanderbilt football Twitter account was pulled from a larger tweet from the coach's account two weeks earlier. That tweet in context from @CoachDerekMason said: "Back in Nashville and the work never stops. This team wants what some say it can't obtain. Sorry...We don't need your permission!"

Vanderbilt held its first practice of preseason camp on Thursday, but Mason had to answer for the Twitter gaffe. "That tweet does not reflect this program. It does not reflect this university," Mason said. "... We are about promoting good will and making sure we don't offend anyone."

Director of athletics David Williams also issued an apology in a statement: "We deeply regret sending it and clearly failed to consider all of its implications before doing so. The phrase 'We don’t need your permission' was condensed from a larger statement and intended as a message to motivate our players and fans and to address those who have doubts about the football team’s competitiveness this season. A staff member shortened the statement for Twitter, failing to recognize how the abbreviated tweet could be interpreted."

Former Vanderbilt players Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey were found guilty on rape charges after a trial in January, but a judge declared a mistrial in June because of concerns about one juror’s impartiality. A second trial date has been tentatively scheduled for Nov. 30.

Two other former football players, Brandon E. Banks and Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie, are also accused and have not yet gone to trial.

Mason, the Commodores' second-year coach, was not at Vanderbilt at the time of the rape, and he never coached any of the defendants.

Reach Adam Sparks at 615-259-8010 and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Stacey Barchenger contributed to this report.