Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan, heartbroken about the way many responded to the tragic Orlando massacre, withdrew from social media Sunday.
As reported by Sam Fortier of seattlepi.com, Ryan had just been named as the Seahawks’ top Twitter follow by ESPN when he suddenly deleted both his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
He had good a reason for doing so.
In the wake of the tragedy that unfolded in Orlando when a lone gunman took the lives of 49 people, many on social media have justified the shootings. Ryan’s last message on Instagram was in response to one such comment.
“Where in the bible does it say it’s ok to be (sic) homo sexual?” said one commenter.
“… please unfollow me,” Ryan responded. “You’re a terrible human being … please stop cheering for the Seahawks. We don’t want piece of (expletive) fans like you. Thanks.”
This was the tipping point for Ryan, who deleted both his Twitter and Instagram accounts immediately afterwards.
His fiancé, Sarah Colonna, shortly afterwards confirmed his decision to abandon social media.
As I watch @JonRyan9 delete his Twitter & Instagram "because people are defending a terrorist, a murderer," how can I argue. 💔
— Sarah Colonna (@sarahcolonna) June 12, 2016
In this, we stand with Colonna and Ryan.