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

A Democratic donor and father of a James Madison University football player has been fired from his job after being captured racially abusing a Republican governor candidate during his son's game at the weekend.

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

Pogorelc appeared to shout at Earle-Sears while watching his son James in action for JMU: '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.'

Daily Mail has approached James Madison University's athletics department for comment. Scott Pogorelc is yet to address the controversy publicly

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.