It's incredibly disappointing to see the words directed at San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and punt returner Kyle Williams. It was Williams who fumbled the last punt of the game, setting up the New York Giants' game-winning field goal in overtime. And it was Williams who was the overwhelming target of angry fans' ire.
SI.com: 49ers support Williams after costly fumbles
With Twitter and social media in general, the ability to instantly react is both a gift and a curse. In Williams' case, fans abused that ability to instantly send him thoughts, bombarding his mentions with threats and other harsh words. To say it was bad would be putting it mildly.
For example:
@KyleWilliams_10. I hope you, youre wife, kids and family die, you deserve it
— JAVIER PASQUEL (@javpasquel) January 23, 2012
There's worse, and much of it isn't fit for public consumption -- littered with swear words, slurs and worse. A check of his mentions or a Twitter search reveals just how bad it got after the game, and how bad it continues to be.
It's embarrassing to see the outbursts and the threats. Sports are emotionally charged by nature, but there's absolutely no reason for a fan or observer to lash out in the way many have at Williams.
There are plenty of 49ers fans tweeting words of encouragement and other positive thoughts, but the actions of those taking aim at Williams were absolutely disgusting and overshadow it all. Be better than this. Think before you speak. And please, don't take it out on a kid who made a mistake in a game -- no matter how high-profile that mistake was.
Edit: Patrick Willis is straight class.
@KyleWilliams_10 keep ur head up. U r my brother n teammate N I would put u back there all over again. We all lost this game tonight not u.
— Patrick willis (@PatrickWillis52) January 23, 2012
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Kyle Williams' Twitter Account Bombarded By Angry Fans
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Comments
that's disgusting.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 23, 2012 12:14 AM EST reply actions
This is really sad
You always hope people are better than this.
by The Fall Guy on Jan 23, 2012 12:16 AM EST reply actions
wiliams did give the Giants 10 points. the Niners should cut him, but thats where it should stop.
Cb
by nmw49ers on Jan 23, 2012 12:30 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Nah.
He has a good career ahead of him as a speedy slot receiver. And with experience, maybe he can learn the nuances of not getting within six feet of an oblong ball bouncing all over the damned place. But cutting him wouldn’t help the Niners. He’s talented.
by Grant Brisbee on Jan 23, 2012 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No.
He’s got a lot of potential, Pro Bowl potential.
"It might be time to give Alex some credit, huh?" - Harbaugh
Follow @michaelsp310
by mikeinsp on Jan 23, 2012 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
Delusional much?
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Jan 27, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
That’s just sad. Poor kid. Funny how they’re ignoring the long return he had to set up the Niners for the game-tying field goal. All he can do is try and move on. And the losers sending that stuff to him are pathetic.
by Donut3 on Jan 23, 2012 12:54 AM EST reply actions
...which could have been a game-WINNING field goal if not for his turnover on the earlier punt.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Jan 27, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Disgusting.
"Graham's Week in Sports," my blog.
Never, under any circumstances, should you ever make fun of Brandon Worley.
by DFWTrojanTuba on Jan 23, 2012 12:55 AM EST reply actions
Wow
Keep it classy, 49er fans. : \
Go Pats. Celtics. Red Sox. Bruins.
Brady. Pierce. Thomas. How you doing?
by Tai on Jan 23, 2012 1:25 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Sad
Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
Leading the NFL in swagtangibles
by JoeCB1991 on Jan 23, 2012 1:50 AM EST reply actions
Pathetic
My fandom isn't confined to my location.
by TMAJE93 on Jan 23, 2012 1:54 AM EST reply actions
There is one good thing about this.
Now everyone knows who this scumbag is and he’s made the world hate him.
"I don't mean to sound bitter, cold or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out" -RIP Bill Hicks
by Johnny Carcinogen on Jan 23, 2012 2:04 AM EST reply actions
patrick willis is good guy greg after the game
by vitzeng on Jan 23, 2012 2:17 AM EST reply actions
Props to Patrick Willis
And I hope all these fans get ridiculed for this at some point. Linked at www.thepowerwire.com
by ThePowerWire on Jan 23, 2012 10:34 AM EST reply actions
Correction to above article...
It was two mistakes. Two turnovers that led to 10 points for the Giants. Williams was the best Giant on the field. The threats are uncalled for, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Williams deserves the Goat label.
by SharksFan97 on Jan 23, 2012 6:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
S.F. fans
San Francisco has soom ugly fans
by bullfrgz on Jan 24, 2012 4:28 PM EST reply actions
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