Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison received more than 60 “disgustingly disrespectful messages” via social media that included racial slurs and encouraged suicide, the fifth-year player said Friday after the team’s most recent loss. .
Mattison, who is Black, revealed in an Instagram Story post that he was mocked via direct messages and in the comments sections on the social media platform for his performance in Minnesota’s 34-28 loss on Thursday in Philadelphia, where Mattison had one of the Vikings. four fumbles. He urged users over 60 to “really think” about his words and how they could really affect a person.
“Under my helmet, I am a human being, a father, a son,” Mattison wrote. “This is bad.”
The Vikings said in a statement Friday that they were “disgusted” by the messages directed at Mattison.
“There is simply no place for racist words or actions in sports or society,” the team said.
The NFL also issued a statement condemning it.
“We strongly support Alexander and remind fans to remember the humanity of all players and celebrate their contributions to the game we all love,” the league said.
Associated Press report
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