Logan Tuley-Tillman Burned Letter Photo Ignites Rivalry, Ugly Side of Social Media
By Kyle Kensing
The spark is back in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. That was made abundant clear when 2013 offensive line recruit Logan Tuley-Tillman (Peoria, Ill.) tweeted a photo of a burned letter from the OSU football program. The 6-foot-7, 320-pound, four star recruit committed to Michigan three months ago, a point he emphasized in an interview with Associated Press reporter Larry Lage.
"“I don’t know why they sent me that letter when they know I’m committed to Michigan. I don’t like the state of Ohio or that school. I can’t wait to play them.”"
Are Tuley-Tillman’s words and action inflammatory (pun intended)? Absolutely. Such is rivalry. They are also the harmless antics of a teenager, enthusiastic about his future prospects. When it comes to recruiting, it seems that all too often there is a faction that forgets recruits are still kids. These people in turn, become the kids themselves.
Overzealous (read: moronic) opposition to Tuley-Tillman’s twitpic stunt responded with the always-classy online death threat. Fellow OL recruit Kyle Bosch supported Tuley-Tillman in…well, a typically overheated, high school boy fashion. Bosch since apologized, but his response seems to be drawing more criticism than the attacks made on Tuley-Tillman by supposed adults. Bosch is someone I once interviewed, and I was impressed with his maturity and sense of humor. Maybe the latter just got a little carried away, fueled by some genuine anger.
Imagine you’re a teenager told how great and fun this rivalry you’re about to enter is, and you’re just adding your own spin to it. Receiving death threats in turn might invoke some outrage from those around you — which isn’t a defense of Bosch per se, but I can sympathize.
Sadly, this isn’t an anomaly relegated to the sometimes unsavory world of recruiting fandom. Los Angeles Laker Steve Blake was similarly harassed after missing a potential game-winner in the NBA Playoffs two weeks ago.
Social media’s global reach always for instant communication with others with whom we may never come in contact. Perhaps the relative anonymity, or lack of proximity to their targets, causes otherwise sane individuals to become frothy mouthed nutcases. My favorite diagnosis of such behavior can be found here.
Coincidentally, this is the second time this month that social media and recruiting have crossed paths in an unfortunate manner for Ohio State. Alex Anzalone’s recruitment took a bizarre turn when a registered sex offender broke probation by appearing with Buckeye prospects in photos posted online. This is another edition to file away under that ever-growing category, Tweeting/Facebook Messaging Recruits Is Creepy.