Ezekiel Elliot the latest example of the power of social media

By Cesar Valdes

The power of social media has been something evident since its existence.

Information lives on the internet, good or bad.

Social media can be used to benefit oneself, or it can be used to negatively impact the image of a person.

Such was the case for Dallas Cowboys All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliot.

Over the weekend, Elliot was spotted at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dallas. But his presence was capitalized by a controversial incident that soon spread like wildfire on Twitter.

Elliot, seen drinking and standing next to a woman gesturing towards him, pulled down her shirt all while being recorded. The video spread quickly throughout Twitter, and so did criticism.

If this were another player, say one from the Jacksonville Jaguars, then this probably wouldn’t have been such a big deal. Anyways, one kicker from the Giants was accused of physically harming his wife and didn’t receive much punishment publicly, as displayed by a mere one game suspension and his non-immediate dismissal from the team.

What is different for Elliot than other players is that he plays for one of the most recognizable sport franchises in the Dallas Cowboys. Everything he does is going to be looked under a microscope.

What happens next for Elliot will ultimately rely upon how the public feels about what he did. We learned from the Ray Rice case that commissioner Roger Goodell will react to public criticism

So far, much of the criticism on Twitter and other social media outlets has been nothing short of negative.

What may or may not happen to Elliot is an example for everyone, not just notable people or head figures, to act as if they had a camera pointed at them at all times. It is almost rare for any incident not to be recorded, either by photographs or video, and not be posted on a social media outlet.

If Elliot goes through this without any punishment from the NFL that doesn’t necessarily mean he is off the hook. This mishap still puts a blemish on his image. He could potentially lose endorsements or not receive some new ones because of this.

Elliot has just become the latest example of the bad side of social media.

Sources:

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17837045/josh-brown-new-york-giants-admits-domestic-violence-documents

http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/25/ezekiel-elliott-marijuana-tourist-weed-shop-seattle-seahawks

/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/29/sports/football/ray-rice-ruling-highlights-roger-goodells-missteps.html?_r=0

http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/4-ways-social-media-can-ruin-your-reputation

Featured image: TMZ Sports

Published by

UNT Eagle Strategies

Class members of the social media class in the Mayborn School of Journalism
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