As a devoted mother, I proudly watch my son pour his heart, time, and future into every play, every practice, and every game.

It’s what he loves, and it’s a path he has chosen willingly.

I can accept the ups and downs that come with sports; losses are part of the game, and disappointment is something every athlete learns to navigate.

However, what unfolded after the recent game crossed a line that should never be crossed.

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The Nature of Fair Criticism

In the realm of athletics, everyone knows what fair criticism looks like.

It serves a purpose-constructive feedback can help athletes grow and improve.

It is commendable to hold players accountable for their performance, as long as it remains rooted in respect for their hard work and dedication.

But when fans choose to completely abandon the essence of the game and direct their anger toward a young man who has already given everything he has, we veer into a different territory.

What happened to Ty Simpson was not merely a case of passion turned sour; it was a conscious choice to lash out.

Ty was in a vulnerable position, navigating the challenges of being a college student and an athlete far from the comfort of home, all while carrying the weight of an entire program’s expectations.

In such moments of exposure, the last thing an athlete needs is to be attacked.

The vitriol and scorn he faced were not just cruel; they were harmful.

Such aggression can shatter a young athlete’s confidence, compromise their mental health, and even affect their well-being for years to come.

The Aftermath of Hurtful Noise

What troubled me most were the aftermath and the behavior displayed online.

The insults, mocking messages, and threats that flooded social media following the game painted a disturbing picture of what it means to be a young athlete today.

The sheer volume of negative comments perpetuated the idea that tearing down a young quarterback was something worthy of pride.

If anyone wants to grasp the real essence of what transpired, they shouldn’t focus solely on the final score; instead, they should look at the vitriolic comments that followed.

Consider the silence from those directly attacked juxtaposed with the noise from those launching their vitriol.

In that silence, I felt the weight of disappointment, pain, and helplessness.

It is a clear demonstration that, while there may be passion and fervor in fandom, it should never come at the expense of decency and human compassion.

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A Direct Message to Institutions and Platforms

I feel a pressing need to address the universities, conferences, and online platforms that permit this behavior.

The hesitation to act, the absence of responsive measures, and the tendency to brush aside abuse as just an unfortunate byproduct of passionate fandom are unacceptable.

We see it; we hear it.

Families like mine experience the fallout, and the lack of accountability resounds louder than any roar of a stadium crowd.

In the landscape of college football, there is constant talk about development, education, and support for student-athletes.

However, this discourse rings hollow when the verbal abuse directed at struggling athletes is excused or minimized.

The standards for what is deemed acceptable behavior appear to shift based on team performance or individual struggles, erasing the line between supportive fandom and harmful behavior.

The Reality of Student-Athletes

Ty has always given everything he has to represent his team and his school.

The entire football community witnessed the fallout from the hostile reactions, and it is not something that can simply be brushed aside as the season continues.

The harm inflicted on young athletes like Ty has lasting consequences; scars can remain long after the final whistle, affecting their performance, mental health, and outlook on the sport they love.

College football should serve as a nurturing environment for student-athletes.

Instead, this culture sometimes perpetuates the cycle of criticism, turning fan enthusiasm into abuse.

It’s disheartening to think that the very programs designed to support athletes can turn a blind eye to the damaging consequences of unchecked hostility from fans.

An Urgent Call for Change

Let me make myself unequivocally clear: if those in charge do not take substantial steps to protect student-athletes, if the standards continue to fluctuate based on convenience and what is politically correct or favorable at the moment, then this will not be the last time I feel compelled to speak out.

Defending my son and advocating for his well-being-as well as that of all student-athletes has become imperative.

We need to create a culture of respect within college sports, where the focus is on supporting athletes, helping them develop not only as players but as individuals.

This culture must live up to the ideals of teamwork, compassion, and respect for each other-values that the sport should uphold at all times.

Rebuilding Our Athletic Community

If we truly care about the development and future of our student-athletes, then we must prioritize their mental and emotional health as much as their on-field performance.

It is high time that we advocated for strict policies against abusive behavior, ensuring that all athletes are treated with the dignity they deserve-both on and off the field.

Let’s work toward creating an environment where athletes feel safe and supported, where success is measured not just in points scored but in character and personal growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is not just about one game or even one player; it is about re-evaluating how we, as a society, approach sports.

The conversation surrounding college athletics needs to change to protect and nurture our youth, ensuring they emerge from their experiences stronger and more resilient.

Let us stand together, advocating for a future where compassion triumphs over cruelty. The time for change is now.

Let’s ensure that the integrity of sports reflects the values we hold dear-values rooted in respect, dignity, and support.

My son and countless others deserve nothing less.

It’s time to make our voices heard and reshape the landscape of college sports for the better.