Crossing the Line

I can't bring myself to write about the game yet. My feelings are still too raw. The emotions are still too high. And my thoughts are a jumbled mess of irrational scenarios. I will eventually be able to put together a cohesive, comprehensive assessment, maybe. Don't hold your breath waiting for it. It's going to take me some time.

But, what I can write about is what happened after the game.  Lines were crossed by fans and for that I am both embarrassed and ashamed. Social media has become both a blessing and a curse.  It has afforded people the opportunity to connect with others they may never have a chance to do in "real life." Which is the really cool part about it. I can follow Coach Harbaugh and players and see what they're like as real people. What their favorite movies are. The type of music they listen to. Where they eat lunch. And, if I'm really lucky I'll get a mention or a retweet from one of them. (wink, wink Kovacs) Does this matter in real life, no, but it's still cool for a fan like me.

The absolute downfall to social media is what reared it's ugly head, seconds after the game was over. The punter, Blake O'Neil, was receiving death threats and suicide suggestions. Really?!?!? He's a young man that pours his heart, soul, time, blood, sweat, and tears into that team. You don't think he already feels bad enough about that play. And, what has become of our society that makes people think it is okay to react this way. This is a real problem in our society. People hide behind their computer or phone screens and nothing is done to them. I think, people should be able to be prosecuted for these types of offenses. Working in a school setting, this has become more and more prevalent and a way of bullying. It needs to stop!

My Pick 6 things I bet you didn't know about Blake O'Neil:
1. He played his first American football game last year at Weber State.
2. Before that, he was in Australia, where they play football with no helmets or padding.
3. He once got his so hard his liver was lacerated.
4. He's a smart man. He earned a bachelor's degree in Australia, a Master's degree at Weber State and is now pursuing his second Master's degree at the top university in the world.
5. He was a male model in Australia.
6. He's accomplished a great deal at 22 years old. I'm certain he's going to go on to be a rather successful man.  Leaders and Best.

Go Blue!
~Bekki