The Uplifting Tweets to Michigan Punter Blake O’Neill you almost certainly Didn’t See

Tom Buchheim

October 19, 2015

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What if, on your worst day ever at work, a whole lot of individuals took to social media to ridicule and shout you down? What if a few of these posts had been hateful, violent and disgusting?

Some say Saturday was university of Michigan punter Blake O’Neill’s worst day ever.

The fifth-12 months senior, rugby-fashion punter from Melbourne, Australia fumbled a snap all through the final seconds of the game against rival Michigan State.

The play astounded the faculty football world and lit up social media immediately. Astonishment, alternatively, quick turned much darker. So-known as lovers and others posted hateful vitriol on Twitter — which nationwide information media fast stated with sensational headlines. Some tweets integrated death threats.

that is the awful aspect of social media — the one you hear about from the media. the one that get’s passed around the echo chamber that Twitter can frequently turn into when these apparently unbelievable and equally emotionally-charged plays occur in sports activities. It’s the identical one that makes people shake their collective heads and discourage scholar-athletes from using the platforms.

but an enchanting factor took place within the hours when you consider that Mr. O’Neill’s fateful fumble. Twitter — it turns out — has a softer aspect. It’s one you won’t possible read about in your favorite sports information website online.

Blake O’Neill is human, and — sure — he had a lovely awful day. but it surely’s only a recreation, and lately is a new day. and a few people — many more than you almost certainly notice — are letting Blake O’Neill understand that.

Twitter sentiment around Blake O

Twitter sentiment around Blake O’Neill’s tweets used to be in reality seventy five p.c (or extra) sure.

actually, sentiment around Mr. O’Neill’s Twitter mentions used to be trending seventy five percent positive, as increasingly more tweets of encouragement began pouring in.

It’s reasonably exceptional while you start to actually read one of the vital heartfelt and uplifting tweets — coming from Michigan enthusiasts, but additionally others who don’t have any motive to tweet a scholar-athlete, instead of to offer him some encouragement following an attractive horrible day. So, listed below are a couple of more.

https://twitter.com/willydacoach/status/655748649889210368

It’s never ok to post death threats or other hateful messages — especially directed toward pupil-athletes. in case you see these tweets, document the user to Twitter and inspire your followers to do the identical.

however my point is — don’t throw the baby out with the tub water on the subject of sports activities and social media. are searching for the good and also you’ll be shocked how many others like you’re available in the market. Social media has a convinced darkish facet. however now not all people are drawn to it.

Thanks for being a fan.

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