Today, the world discovered the real reason for Burnette’s dismissal: He’s a racist asshole.

After Barack Obama’s victory in the presidential election, here’s what Burnette posted on his Facebook page (which mysteriously disappeared earlier today):

“all the hunters gather up, we have a #$%&er in the whitehouse”

What kind of idiot in this ultra-connected, socially networked world doesn’t realize that Facebook status updates are broadcast not only to your friends, but well beyond? Did Buck really think none of his friends would spread his inflamatory, ignorant statement to the masses?

Did he not consider how his former African-American teammates might feel about such hateful words?

And check out the apology Burnette issued on his Facebook page before it vanished:

“Clearly I have made a mistake and apologized for it and will pay for it. I received it as a text message from an acquaintance and immaturely put it up on Facebook in the light of the election. I’m not racist and apologize for offending you …

You’re not racist? So what motivated you to share your buddy’s text message with the world?

“… I grew up on a ranch in a small town where that was a real thing and I need to grow up …

Oh, so it was just the kid in you speaking. Please, continue.

“… I sincerely am sorry for being ignorant in thinking that it would be OK to write that publicly and apologize to you in particular. I have to be more mature than to put the reputation of my team at stake and to spread that kind of hate which I don’t even believe in. Once again, I sincerely apologize.”

Such an empty, backhanded apology only makes this sad situation worse. We’re obviously talking about a person who is very comfortable using the N word, who runs with others who casually use the N word. (I bet many of those friends are ready to kick Buck’s ass for even apologizing.)

Don’t be shocked in the least that this sort of sentiment is being expressed publicly. Frankly, I expect more stories like this in days and weeks to come.

Especially in Texas. We’re talking about a state in which 23 percent of residents believe Obama is a Muslim, according to a statewide survey last month conducted by the University of Texas. Oh, the irony, Buck.

Coach Brown — major kudos to you for acting swiftly to kick Burnette off the team. It was the right thing to do to preserve team unity.

Buck — I do hope you grow up and join society. You’ve got too much life left to spend it as a hater.