ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando police officer said he regrets his Facebook post where he called black NFL players "savages" and used other vulgar language.
Officer Robert Schellhorn said he regrets making the post but argues his 80-hour suspension was too severe.
The city said this and other posts were not only racist but also demeaned women and people who are mentally challenged.
Officials with the city went through each profanity used and even referenced urban dictionary in hopes of proving their point.
“I absolutely regret making that post," Schellhorn said during the meeting.
Orlando Police Department officials said they suspended Schellhorn because his social media exchange violated its social media policy.
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Schellhorn argued that was too severe and he wants the suspension reduced to 16 hours.
OPD argues 80 hours is valid because calling black NFL players "useless savages" is racist.
Schellhorn said he uses that word for lots of people.
The department said he also disparaged the mentally ill and argued an image he posted was sexist.
Schellhorn and the union think OPD went too far, but the department disagrees because he made comments over two days and thought twice before making his initial post.
Both sides have to submit a written brief for the arbitrator to look over, and a decision will be made by March 4.