An Alabama high school varsity football coach got what he asked for. An audio recording of him surfaced this week in which he gives his students permission to inform the principal and superintendent of his rant against “fat butt Michelle Obama” and “queers.”
The recording catches Bob Grisham, who’s also a psychology and driver’s education teacher at his alma mater, Lauderdale County High School, in mid-rant. He complains about “600 calorie lunches” then proceeds to describe the First Lady’s appearance in unflattering terms.
“Fat butt Michelle Obama!” he said. “And look — look at her. She looks like she weighs 185 or 190. She’s overweight!”
In the background another voice, presumably a student’s, chimes in, “Big fat gorilla.” Giggles erupt from around the classroom.
Grisham goes on to criticize “queers,” saying, “I don’t believe in queers. I don’t like queers. I don’t hate them as a person, but what they do is wrong. It’s an abomination against God. I don’t like being around queers.” The recording then shuts off.
His remarks in the classroom contrast sharply with remarks he made a few months ago. In an interview with a local television station, WHNT News, in November, Grisham spoke warmly about “playing as a team with one heartbeat” and his appreciation for the way the community supports the team.
The venom and disrespect Grisham exhibits in the recording seem to pivot on a statement he makes in the middle of his monologue: “I’m serious! Y’all, this country is — is going in the wrong direction. And you better be aware of it.”
According to The Daily Mail, the LGBT community is advocating for Grisham’s firing. The Lauderdale County Board of Education suspended Grisham without pay for ten days, and he will attend sensitivity training. Superintendent Jennifer Grey and school board members will meet February 14 for a special session to determine if Grisham will be disciplined further.
