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There are pros and cons when it comes to social media.
Fans of any program can follow their favorite teams as close as humanly possible. This includes the constant and continual entry into a player’s life via Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram (among others).
Fandom can also verge into the blurred lines of obsession, or even worse…harassment.
During a Wednesday press conference, LSU head coach Les Miles spoke about quarterbacks Brandon Harris and Danny Etling, and the dangers each face — and have faced — in regards to social media.
#LSU coach Les Miles: That's the only way to handle it (On Danny Etling not having a Twitter account)
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 21, 2016
Etling doesn’t have a Twitter account — something Miles agrees with in terms of avoiding unfair criticism.
However, Harris has been victimized by a number of unfortunate events — namely death threats after his performance in the season-opening loss to Wisconsin. Miles didn’t hold back when speaking his mind on the subject:
Les Miles says Brandon Harris received a couple of tweets threatening him immediately after UW game. Miles said BH is "concerned." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 21, 2016
Miles on death threats against Brandon Harris: "It's unconscionable" #LSU
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) September 21, 2016
Les Miles: "If death threats are something you're into … it's the wrong decision." #LSU
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) September 21, 2016
#LSU coach Les Miles: Whatever that social media address is, you get it to someone who legally can pursue it. (On death threats)
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) September 21, 2016
Even if Harris was the absolute worst quarterback on Earth (which he isn’t), no one deserves to have their life threatened — much less by an anonymous individual hiding behind a keyboard.
This surely will be a major story going forward — especially if Harris reclaims his spot as the Tigers’ starting signal-caller.
