After Thursday night’s 34-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison revealed a collection of racist and abusive messages he received.
Mattison ran for 28 yards and lost a fumble during the game. In a series of screenshots he posted on social media, fans sent him disturbing messages that included racial slurs.
“I hope the 60+ people who decided to come at me with disgustingly disrespectful messages tonight in DMs and comments really reflect on WTF you say and how it could truly affect someone under my helmet,” Mattison wrote on Instagram. “I am a human, a father, a son. This is sick.”
The NFLPA released a statement of support on Friday morning for Mattison, as did the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings.
“We are sickened by the hatred and racial slurs directed toward Alexander Mattison following last night’s game. There simply is no room for racist words or actions in sports or society. The Vikings will continue to fight to eliminate hate, to educate, and to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that respects and values our unique backgrounds. We stand with Alexander and all players who, unfortunately, experience this type of ignorant and prejudicial behavior, and we ask our fans to continue to eliminate racism,” said the Vikings organization.
[Vikings]
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.