Published May 7, 2011 - 9:52am
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The latest mess caused via Twitter is Rashard Mendenhall. After his controversial comments on Osama Bin Laden via Twitter, he has lost a major endorsement deal from Champion. ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd put it this way: “Unless you’re a Kardashian, there is no financial upside for Twitter and only financial downside.” Very, very accurate statement in my opinion.
Think about the messes caused by Twitter: Will Hill, Rashard Mendenhall, Kirk Herbstreit, plus many others. Where are the success stories caused by Twitter?
The reality is that most athletes use Twitter as a way to stroke their own egos. They like to accumulate followers and like people to listen to what they say simply because they are who they are. There’s some major risk for athletes who should aim to keep their mouth shut more often than not. Play the game and get paid for your athletic skills. Keep your political and controversial comments to a minimum on the Twitterverse. Probably a good idea.
How long until all major college football programs add social media training as a part of being a part of the program? This is very much needed – these young kids need to realize what they are putting out on the internet can only hurt them and hurt their careers. Will Hill and the latest Mendenhall examples are easy examples. Connect the verbal diarrhea that is put out on Twitter with a loss of millions and you will have an easy audience.
