HOUSTON – Texas A&M head football coach Kevin Sumlin’s wife, Charlene Sumlin, posted an update on Twitter after she received support for calling out an anonymous writer after her family received a racist letter last week.
She wrote:
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“Kevin asked me to wait until after the game to comment any further about the letter situation…it was a week of craziness and distraction so I wanted to respect that. Now that I can, I want to say a couple of things. First: THANK YOU for the literally hundreds of text messages, phone calls, private messages etc. I couldn’t respond to everyone, I started to try at first and then it just became so overwhelming, but I want everyone to know that I read them and I am so grateful for the love and support. SECOND: My reason for posting the letter on Twitter was because I knew that that was the best vehicle for getting action. My first call was to local law enforcement. We have literally the best liaison in Officer Ben Crenshaw and I knew that he would do everything that he could to get things handled. He did what he was able to do, but we hit a dead end because evidently the letter didn’t fit the criteria needed for our CP to prosecute it as a threat, or a hate crime or a violation of civil rights. SO. I decided to post it on Twitter, where I knew it would take care of itself. Within two hours, I was contacted by people from almost every agency in the state. (Thank you to the amazing, well-connected friends we have for taking quick action…You know you you are.) For those non postal experts, there is a barcode on the back of the envelope that gives them all of the information that they need to trace the letter. (The stamp being ‘canceled’ is not always indicative of the letter being processed…there you go conspiracy theorists. They have run forensics, and are investigating. They asked us if we wanted to press charges and I couldn’t answer ‘YES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW’ fast enough. I want to make an example of this person. I want everyone to understand that I will do anything and everything to PROTECT MY FAMILY. Period. I literally cannot wait to look at this person eye to eye. There is a real unique kind of cowardice in someone to anonymously criticize, ridicule or threaten another person. If I have the opportunity to expose even ONE troll I am going to do it. THIRD. Privacy is a rare treasure in this social media world. I have worked very hard to protect that for myself and my kids. I don’t have a huge social media presence by design (there is a reason why my name on here is mine and not his), I don’t put myself out there for the media requests that I have received over the years. We do not make donations publicly or volunteer and expect cameras around so that we can get a pat on the back. You will never, EVER hear one of my children use their father’s status to self-promote or excuse bad behavior or any of the other countless things that they probably could. With that all being said, understand that we do not live by the sword so that we do not have to die by the sword (TY Jen Fulwiler for reminding me of that ). We have a wonderful, HAPPY life that has ZERO to do with football. And that will neer change. So please grant us the grace of allowing us to be normal people. OUR lives are not defined and our happiness is not determined by this game. We are stronger than thatn. LAST: I want to share this article written by one of my very precious friends who remains true to what it means to be a journalist even when it would be far more lucrative for her to sell her soul. (Much love to you RB.) We will definitely keep you all posted once we get to the bottom of this ordeal. NOW…we move forward. Xoxoxoxo
The follow-up message comes after a disturbing letter was sent to Kevin Sumlin’s house.
The letter appears to have come from the Houston area. It says: "You suck as a coach! You're a N**** and can't win! Please get lost! or else."
The sending address comes back to the Houston Country Club at 1 Potomac Drive.
Charlene Sumlin posted a photo of the envelope and letter on Twitter last Thursday.
Her original post reads: "People of 2017: please tell me how any part of this is ok. And to the sender: did it occur to you that a child may open it?#orelseWHAT?"
It appears the letter was sent to Sumlin due to the Aggies' loss in the first week of the season.
Here is a statement from Texas A&M President Michael Young and Director of Athletics Scott Woodward:
"Earlier this evening, we became aware of a letter of unknown origin that was sent to the Sumlin family home. We unequivocally condemn this disgusting and threatening letter. There is no excuse for hatred and, as a community, we will not allow the ignorance of some to intimidate any member of our community.
"On behalf of all Aggies, our thoughts are with Coach Sumlin and his family, and we will do all that we can to ensure their safety. We are working with law enforcement authorities to bring the sender of this letter to justice. We stand with the Sumlins and will not accept this inexcusable act of hate."