Talking About Trayvon in 140 Characters

Abstract

This research explored how National Football League (NFL) players used Twitter to discuss the verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial in the immediate aftermath of its announcement. A textual analysis, using constant comparative procedures of 465 tweets from 125 NFL players, was conducted. Results revealed that players discussed the case in the following ways: (a) anticipation, (b) disbelief, (c) critiques of the American Justice System, (d) social commentary, (e) condolences and support, (f) responding to fans, and (g) freedom of speech arguments. The results suggest that Twitter is a viable mechanism for African American and other minority athletes to engage in activism and initiate important conversations about social justice issues. Although empowering, this also may create conflict for team personnel and fans who may be uncomfortable with athletes using Twitter to question structures that favor Whiteness.

It’s Okay to be Not Okay: An Analysis of Twitter Responses to Naomi Osaka’s Withdrawal due to Mental Health Concerns

“…Therefore, our findings contribute to the literature that the same breaking news on social media can have different ramifications on the public discourse depending on the source of the news. Athletes posting stories in their own social media accounts can be powerful in facilitating parasocial interaction (Lee & Jang, 2013), athlete-fan interactions (Kassing & Sanderson, 2010), and initiating important conversations about social issues directly to their followers (Schmittel & Sanderson, 2015; Utz, 2009).…”

“…Traditionally, professional athletes prefer to remain silent regarding politics and social issues because it may risk their employment status and diminish their endorsement potential (Gill, 2016). However, growing numbers of athletes are willing to take a stand and participate in social activism, including racial injustice (Schmittel & Sanderson, 2015), gender inequality (Manney, 2021), and LGBTQ rights (Williams, 2020). As more professional athletes are participating in social activism, fans also have higher acceptance and expectations of athletes using their influence to speak out about important social issues compared to the past (ESPN, 2020; MarketCast, 2021; Nielson, 2020).…”

I got all my sisters with me (on Black Twitter): second screening ofHow to Get Away with Murderas a discourse on Black Womanhood

“…Similarly, Black NFL players used Twitter to share sentiments and engage in discourse on Travon Martin and George Zimmerman. Though they were spread across the country, 125 Black players discussed the anticipation they felt before the trial, shared opinions about the justice system in America, and responded to fans who also engaged the discourse (Schmittle & Sanderson, 2014). Thus, twitter can transverse class and status divides to provide expanded support networks for Black users.…”

A Fumbled Opportunity? A Case Study of Twitter’s Role in Concussion Awareness Opportunities During the Super Bowl

“…Few athletes address controversial topics online (Pegoraro, 2010). Exceptions include a select number of athletes who spoke out after the not-guilty verdict of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin (Schmittel & Sanderson, 2014), U.S. Olympians tweeting their opposition to a rule that prohibited athletes from advertising non-Olympic sponsors (Belson, 2012), and basketball player Royce White attempting to draw attention to mental illness (Favale, 2012).…”