I was looking through one of client’s Instagram feeds and saw this post on April 7. Clearly, it shows a man hold two semi-automatic rifles in a very nonchalant way. Who is this man? He’s a 22-year old pitcher for the High-A Eugene Emeralds (A San Francisco Giants affiliate) named Trevor McDonald. Why am I making a post about this? It’s because Trevor was casually holding these rifles like it was nothing when gun violence is a polarizing topic in our nation.
Three days after Trevor posted this, a mass shooting occurred in Louisville, KY where six people lost their lives. Mass shootings are becoming way too often in our country. Most of us are numb, sick and tired of using the caption “thoughts and prayers” on social media for the victims. Timing wasn’t the best, but the post should’ve never went live in the first place.
Trevor used the caption “guns, cactus, and crop tops #merica” (see the post below by clicking the link). While he may have not thought anything of the post, it struck a chord with me in a very very negative light. You may say “he’s a 22-year old”, “he doesn’t know what he’s doing” or “it’s just fun and games.” But it’s way more than that.
I can’t stand idly by and watch this occur. So what did I do? I reached out to his sports agency, the team he plays (Eugene Emeralds) and the team he could play for in the future (San Francisco Giants) via Instagram direct messages.
The first message went to his agency (which will remain unnamed). I chatted with their Director of Marketing and her quote was, “A lot of our clients are into guns and we educate them on the possible backlash with posts like that but let them do what they want. He’s a guy that is aware but is fine with it.” I bolded the middle part because that doesn’t sit right with me. Why would you let a 22-year old who clearly isn’t educated in social media allow him to make this kind of post and there be no repercussions? Are you afraid if you said something you can lose him as a client? Do you not want to “ruffle any feathers”? What is the problem with educating Trevor on the Do’s and Don’t of social media because he is a public figure and could be in the MLB one day.
This didn’t sit well with me, so I went to his current team, the Eugene Emeralds. I DM’d them the post with the words: “I’m a social media expert with 10 years of experience in the sports space and this is not a good look at all.” What is their response? “We don’t condone gun violence of any type here with the Emeralds. Unfortunately we don’t have a say over players post as they are employed by the Giants and just apart of our team. If you want to reach someone that might be able to help, I would email/call someone that works directly with the Giants.” Again, I bolded the middle part of the statement as they are just passing it off to the Giants and won’t say anything to Trevor and educate him on the potential backlash now or in the future with these types of posts.
So, finally I went to the San Francisco Giants. I used the same words as I said to the Emeralds to see if they would respond. Of course, I’m not verified and they have over 1 million followers on Instagram. I’m sure they won’t or might not ever see my message to them, but I wanted to try. I messaged them and received no response (but, it’s only been 3 days). I have reached out to Social Media members of the Giants staff hoping to hear something back, but haven’t either.
**I will add their response when/or If I get one.
Why am I posting about this? It’s because Trevor and numerous athletes around the globe haven’t been properly educated on social media and the potential repercussions of a tone-deaf social media post that could have damage on their career. This could lose them brand deals, lots of potential future money and end their career in sports. The negligence from numerous people connected to Trevor is frankly comical! It’s the response that “we told him about backlash, but let him do as he pleases” or “he’s not really our problem” (as the Emeralds made in their statement). Everyone he’s connected to on his team both on and off the field should be held accountable over posts like these that happen almost every single day around the country.
What needs to and should happen? Social media education at an early age. I propose athletes need to be educated and trained on the Do’s and Don’ts of social media usage. You should have fun with social media of course, but know when that your post could and will cross the boundary of ethics. There needs to be courses in high school, college and professional where athletes can be taught the proper want to use social media and what NOT to do when you’re in the public light.
Eisman Digital is happy to educate young to older athletes in the social media education and what boundaries not to cross. If you, your agency, your team or any other close connection to an athlete needs help in social media education, feel free to book a call on our calendar here.
We cannot allow for ignorance and/or tone-deaf posts to occur in our society.
“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
