As hip-hop artist LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James) often says, “You can’t let your past hold your future hostage.” And sometimes, past communication mistakes can more than tie up your future.
Milwaukee Brewers’ relief pitcher Josh Hader, 24, found himself in a bind when past racist and homophobic tweets resurfaced at this summer’s All-Star Game in Washington D.C. After the game, Mr. Hader told interviewers that his tweets were from him as an immature 17-year old.
Photo Courtesy of SBNation
Nonetheless, he took full responsibility and offered to accept the consequences. “Obviously I said some things that were inexcusable. That doesn’t reflect who I am as a person today. There’s no excuse for what was said. I’m deeply sorry …. It doesn’t reflect any of my beliefs … now.”
Because of his virtuous response and his acceptance of consequences, the backlash was somewhat curtailed. However, his family covered their t-shirts bearing his name to avoid repercussions in the stands. The MLB responded in a statement, “After the game, Mr. Hader took the necessary step of expressing remorse for his highly offensive and hurtful language, which fails to represent the values of our game and our expectations for all those who are a part of it. The Office of the Commissioner will require sensitivity training for Mr. Hader and participation in MLB’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
Gang-related facebook posts and appearances in rap music videos were used as evidence by the prosecutors in the murder trial of another 17-year-old, Palos Verdes High School senior Cameron Terrell. Narrowly avoiding conviction after the jury deliberated an entire week, Mr. Terrell was acquitted of the murder charge and two counts of attempted murder in a fatal gang shooting in South Los Angeles.
Bottom line from your favorite Los Angeles-based communications coaching firm: Social media never forgets nor totally forgives. Think before you tweet!