Nick Leddy Experiences Dark Side Of Social Media
By Adam Savard
By now you’ve likely heard that New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy and the daughter of retired NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason were the targets of violent threats over Twitter. It’s not worth revisiting the tweets because that only glorifies the actions of a person seeking attention, but if you feel so inclined to see them you can click here.
NHL security got involved quickly and now there is news that the FBI is investigating the matter. It’s common to meet aggressive people on social media defending their team or favorite player. But this is completely warranted considering the nature of the threats made. Comments like that aren’t taken as a joke, nor should they be.
It’s an extreme example of how a few people can ruin a good thing for many. No, Facebook and Twitter and the like aren’t going anywhere. But the aggressive nature of people on social media and message boards are a constant reminder that some people really need handlers. Because they can’t and shouldn’t be trusted to exist without supervision from a responsible adult.
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I find myself searching out team pages on Twitter and Facebook to engage with other fans and discuss (debate?) topics outside of my rooting interests. As with most pages you’ll find passionate fans using facts and observations to tell you why their point is right. The problem is those aren’t the people who leave an impression.
Boards are full of people launching into profanity-laced attacks at opposing views, the type of comments that don’t get made when you stand eye-to-eye with someone. There’s the idea that you have some sort of anonymity, particularly on Twitter, and can say things without getting any blowback for them. On top of that its human nature that if you do something once and it gives you a rush, you’re going to do it again. And again. The behavior will escalate over time and, in the case of Nick Leddy, get more aggressive and vulgar.
Maybe that’s how this user rationalized it was ok to publish personal information and make direct, specific threats to Nick Leddy. Maybe it has happened before to a casual fan or random person. But now that it’s Nick Leddy, a professional athlete, that’s where the line gets drawn. I can’t imagine if that tweet were sent to the average person the FBI would take a keen interest.
And that’s a damn shame. No, I don’t think every tweet that offends someone needs reporting to authorities. Political correctness can go too far also. But there is no reason to wait until an aggressive keyboard puncher turns into a credible threat – or acts out their words – to intervene.
In the case of this person threatening Nick Leddy I hope the FBI identifies them and charges them with a crime. Making violent threats and compromising personal information isn’t ok in any way. The punishment needs to be something more than turning off your account and some forced public mea culpa.
The events with Nick Leddy makes me wonder how much this happens and we don’t know about it. The FBI indicated that these threats have been going on for months now. If that’s the case, were authorities involved earlier? The public doesn’t need to know when these things go on. We don’t have the right to know. For the players sake I hope security is investigating these matters before several months go by.
You can make your point without behaving like a sociopath. Agreement isn’t necessary for a great conversation. Threats on social media are increasing, at least on some of the sports and news feeds I frequent. There is no reason to threaten a person for a different view. There is no reason for Nick Leddy or any player to go through this just because they are a public figure. And I see no reason those sending these or similar tweets shouldn’t be held more accountable for their actions.
Next: Do These Players Need A Fresh Start Elsewhere?
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