College Football and Social Media
There are quite a few Georgia Bulldogs who jumped in the deep end of social media in 2009. From Facebook to Twitter, and probably some Myspace thrown in for good measure, being “social” with friends we don’t know has become all the rage. Although, I can see some positive aspects to this phenomenon, the negatives keep piling up in my mind’s eye.
Going back to last year when I jumped in the pool myself, it was interesting to connect with so many Dawg fans of all ages. As a former player, it was fun and a little bit of an ego boost to be perfectly honest. I can’t even imagine how crazy it could get for a present day player….wait, yes I can.
I have followed Jeff Owens and Mike Moore from the beginning of the 2009 season. I added Darryl Gamble, Tavarres King, Neland Ball, Bacarri Rambo, Drew Butler and AJ Green. Along the way I picked up on some players from other teams as well. I’m going to hold off on their names, you’ll understand shortly.
On the surface one would think it would be great to follow and understand the day to day routine of a college football player. At times it was true, but there were other times it was disappointing. When the season did not go according to plan, it gave over zealous fans the ammo they needed to criticize some players. It was ugly.
One in particular was Jeff Owens, who tweeted early and often about his daily grind, never missing an opportunity to let his followers know when he got his grub on. Jeff received some some serious heat after the Florida game, I believe it was. In addition, none other than David Pollack was relentless in in the fall, telling #95 to try a salad from time to time. Sometimes brutal, sometimes funny, but #47 was really just trying to help I think.
This has been a bad week for college players and social media. Elijay Fields of the Pitt Panthers was dismissed for pictures he posted on Twitter (click and also see picture below). If thats not enough, try Oregon’s Jamere Holland, upset because he thought,(mistakenly) that one of his boys had been kicked off the team for a DUI. He let loose on Facebook and now he’s the goner(click).
Like I mentioned earlier, I have been following some players from other schools besides Georgia and I have seen Tweets about partying, getting high and even one guy watching his room mate having sex in the room. It’s crazy. It’s like these kids think the only ones reading it are their friends and or team mates.
Another example is the fan pressure exerted on Facebook pages during recruiting season. Da’Rick Rogers was supposedly bombarded by Georgia and Tennessee fans. Now Rogers and Baccari Rambo have had a verbal sparring match online. It seems to have subsided for now, but I have a feeling it’s not over(click).
All in all, as a fan I think social media is cool. It gives you an unequaled access to players and their thoughts day to day. But the abuses are so numerous, if I were a coach, I would want my players to steer clear. I think any player willing to risk exposing himself to the fringe that exists out there, better be thicked skinned, because people will put you on blast in a hurry. And by all means watch the “Twitpics” and keep your mouth shut!
My own personal time on Twitter and Facebook has been dwindling because of having to devote more time to my business, but I feel sure when the season gets here, I will be among those barking…
Gooo #Dawgs!
Not So Fast My Friends
I wrote my last blog not realizing a definitive announcement was going to be made about a specific plan for the possible reinstatement of Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount. Coach Chip Kelly has again suprised me with a thoughtful explanation as to why he feels this is the right thing.
The press conference video is in the right sidebar.
Oregon’s Chip Kelly is Ducking a Great Decision
The Oregon Ducks have rebounded from an early loss to Boise State back on September 3rd. You may remember what a blow that loss really was when senior running back LeGarrette Blount decked a trash talking Bronco, Byron Hout. The most played highlight in the history of television put new Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly in a bad situation. Even so, he made what appeared to me to be the perfect decision.
He kicked Blount off the team in terms of eligibility to play in games, although he would remain on the team and practice. This would allow him to stay in shape, improve as a player and attempt to rehabilitate his image, which after this blow-up was severely damaged. It was bad enough that he punched the Boise State player, but on the way to the locker room he had to be restrained from entering the stands to go after Boise State fans. Suffice it to say, he lost it.
Now today, word is coming out of Eugene that LeGarrette Blount may have a chance for reinstatement. What the..? Coach? Just weeks after one the most thoughtful disciplinary decisions I can recall, you are going to even consider a reinstatement? How can any future decision you make be trusted?
As a parent, my belief has always been, say what you mean and mean what you say. Leave no doubt. It’s the only way for a kid or kids to respect what you say. If Chip Kelly, who is a defacto parental figure alters his decision, it can only be for a couple of reasons.
First, with his team having won a few crucial games including a 42 -3 thrashing of California, now has a chance at a special season. But not without their top running back. Secondly, Coach Kelly may feel pressure to allow Blount to come back to improve his draft status, which was severely impacted. Neither one of those is a good reason. If time off for good behavior was a stipulation, it should have been detailed that way.
Obviously Coach Kelly does not need my approval or respect to continue as Oregon’s Head Coach. He does need his teams respect to build a legacy of discipline and long term success.
What do you think?
See the video to the right.
Tell me what you really think!