Sad

January 23, 2012|Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff

...That's what it is to read some of the Twitter comments that have been made to 49ers wide receiver/punt returner Kyle Williams, who had two crucial miscues on punt returns that led to points for the New York Giants -- including a fumble in overtime that set up the game-winning field goal -- in Sunday's NFC Championship game.

Williams, who is the son of White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, should know more than most the irrational nature of some sports fans and the vitriol that can follow failure in professional athletics. But this is yet another reminder that fan is short for fanatic. And that sports fanatics can behave the same way as religious ones.

As great a tool as social media are they've also spawned a culture of hateful, nasty and often anonymous invectives being flung at athletes and other public figures. People attacking Kyle Williams need to ask how they'd feel if it were their son or brother receiving death threats over a mere football game?