JMU star's dad fired for hurling racist slur at Republican governor candidate Winsome Earle-Sears during game

The father of a James Madison University football player has been fired from his job and suspended from attending athletics events at the school after being captured racially abusing a Republican governor candidate during his son's game.

In a shocking video which went viral on social media, the father in question - who has been identified as Democratic donor Scott Pogorelc - is seen hurling the vile racist insult towards Virginia hopeful and US Marine Corps veteran Winsome Earle-Sears as she stands near the stands at Bridgeforth Stadium.

Pogorelc appeared to shout at Earle-Sears while watching his son James in action for the James Madison Dukes: 'Go back to Haiti! Traitor!'

Internet sleuths were quick to name and shame the Dukes offensive lineman's dad, who worked as an engineer for Zeta Associates - a subsidiary of defense contractor Lockheed Martin. Public records also show that he has contributed financially to a number of Democratic campaigns in Virginia.

In a statement provided to the Daily Mail, Lockheed Martin has confirmed that Pogorelc is no longer employed by Zeta in light of the footage.

'We hold all of our employees and subsidiaries to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct,' the company said. 'Any behavior that violates our Code of Ethics will be thoroughly investigated and employees found in violation will be held accountable.

'Zeta Associates investigated the matter, and the individual is no longer employed.'

James Madison University's athletics department has also condemned the incident while revealing Pogorelc has been suspended. 

'James Madison University Athletics holds high expectations of fan behavior, as outlined in our fan code of conduct, and to which fans agree when they attend a JMU athletics event. This includes an expectation that all fans act with respect for one another and display civility,' a spokesperson for JMU Athletics told the Daily Mail.

'The actions observed in the video posted on social media do not reflect this standard, nor our university’s values; we condemn and do not tolerate this type of behavior. This person has been suspended from attending athletics events at JMU.

'There has been a rise of incivility across the country and James Madison University aspires to be a model of good sportsmanship and civil discourse.'

According to non-profit organization Open Secrets, Pogorelc has donated a total of $8,750 to 36 separate Democratic campaigns since September 2020.

His son James transferred to JMU in 2025 with one season of college eligibility remaining after spending one year at Duke (2024) and three with Stanford (2020-23). This term the 6ft 8in, 301lbs player has made four appearances for the team.

Earle-Sears, who was born in Jamaica before immigrating to the United States in 1970, also reacted to the disgusting abuse she suffered on X.

'I thought Democrats were supposed to love everyone… and just to be clear, I’m Jamaican. But I have nowhere to go back to — because America is my home,' she wrote. 

The 61-year-old then added in a separate post: 'I’ve been called names no one should ever hear, and I’ve watched people hold racist signs meant to shame me. And because I have an R next to my name, few care.

'But I am no victim. Words won’t break me, and they won’t stop this campaign. We are going to win.'

Earle-Sears, who served in the Marine Corps from 1983-86, launched her campaign to become governor of Virginia last year. She has been the state's lieutenant governor since 2022.