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http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/ ... story.html
Kyle Williams is ignoring the barrage of hateful, hurtful, even threatening comments he has received via social media in the aftermath of his ill-timed fumble that cost the San Francisco 49ers the NFC Championship game against New York.
Williams said yesterday he takes responsibility for his fumble on a punt return in overtime of a 20-17 loss to the Giants Sunday night that set up Lawrence Tynes’s winning field goal, calling the moment “painful.’’
“I really didn’t pay attention to Twitter. All the feedback I needed was family and friends, the guys in the locker room,’’ Williams said.
Instantly, Williams was made a villain on the Internet.
He insisted it’s part of his job to face the criticism in the aftermath of his mistakes and not hide out in a difficult time. Perhaps that will go a little way in calming down the angry fans, some of whom wished harm on Williams and his family.
“It’s one of those things you have to take accountability for,’’ Williams said. “Everybody is responsible for what they do on the field. It’s something that I was responsible for and I made a mistake and it’s time to own up to it and move forward.’’
Kicker David Akers took to Twitter yesterday asking people to stop with the harsh remarks directed toward his teammate, saying “ppl need to get a grip! Leave Kyle alone!’’ He also reminded everybody the NFC West-champion 49ers (14-4) win and lose together, so there would be no finger-pointing in the locker room.
“I’m irritated with the way people are treating him, absolutely,’’ Akers said. “I think it’s ridiculous. You know, get a grip on what life’s about. He went out and he put his soul out there. That’s what he does. He was not trying to do anything other than make an incredible play for this team. He had a great kickoff return. Mistakes happen. We all make mistakes. But when you’re out there truly battling to do the best you can, my hat goes off to him, to anybody that does that.’’
Williams has spoken to his father, Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams, who told ESPN that his son received death threats. The elder Williams also said his son might have separated his shoulder in the third quarter, but he added that he did not blame his son’s miscues on the injury.
