Facebook - it’s the gift that keeps on giving. You would think that after scandals such as the racist Texas football player’s post-election message, or racy photos posted by Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice and a New England Patriots cheerleader (sadly, not together), athletes would learn that if you post something on your Facebook page, it’s public. And if you post something ignorant, it’s going to be a problem.
Apparently Florida lineman Jim Tartt didn’t get the message. THE SPORTING BLOG looked at his apparent Facebook page and found that he recently joined a group called “Africa gives nothing to anyone — except AIDS.” Which is a lie. To start: Didier Drogba, gazelles, Nelson Mandela, marathon runners, Akon. And that’s just off the top of my head.
I bet that Florida coach Urban Meyer is just thrilled with having to deal with this. Because there’s nothing better than giving reporters with nothing else to talk about in the weeks leading up to the BCS National Title game something juicy to gnaw at.
Normally, you wouldn’t expect much out of someone who chooses to go by the nickname “Jimbo,” but Tartt is an anthropology major. You know, the study of humanity and all. Also, as DR. SATURDAY notes, so are at least seven of his teammates. This should make for an interesting class discussion tomorrow.
Maybe this isn’t really his Facebook page; or maybe he signed up for it by accident or as a “joke.” But if past history tells us anything, it’s that college kids just don’t realize how public Facebook is. It will be interesting to see how Meyer handles the discipline of Tartt, a part-time starter at tackle who has been limited this season due to injury.
5:04 pm on December 11th, 2008
Africa also gave us Castle Lager, which is pretty good beer.
5:05 pm on December 11th, 2008
I'm sure Jimbo's African-American teammates wouldn't mind extending his injury.
5:13 pm on December 11th, 2008
Looks like somebody's missing the BCS Championship game.
5:15 pm on December 11th, 2008
It won't be long before coaches ban their players from making myspace and facebook profiles.
5:17 pm on December 11th, 2008
To be fair, Jimbo has the right to belong to whatever group he wants. And everyone else has the right to express what an idiot Jimbo is for joining such groups.
6:37 pm on December 11th, 2008
Guy sounds like he should be playing for Oklahoma.
7:07 pm on December 11th, 2008
So you’re saying all Oklahomans are racist? What a narrow-minded statement. If I recall, there’s plenty of intolerant people in the Sunshine State.
10:46 pm on December 11th, 2008
What a redneck. Thats the SEC for ya. Jimbo's comments are typical of white players and fans down here. I grew up in Ohio and moved to South GA in High School. I played football (2nd team ALL STATE) at BIG school in the area. This crap is NOTHING new !!!
10:53 pm on December 11th, 2008
Although I must say freedom of speach is his right. We are too P.C. alot of times but Jimbos deal is just dumb. Go Buckeyes !!
11:21 pm on December 11th, 2008
jimbo should have mentioned the numerous great inventions the continent has continuosly given the world
11:55 pm on December 11th, 2008
Ancient Egypt has done a lot for human civilization, and last time I checked an atlas, they're in Africa.
5:33 am on December 12th, 2008
According to the Bible, all mankind started in Africa,…Way to go Dumbo…I mean Jimbo
5:20 pm on December 12th, 2008
What an absolute idiot this guy is.
1:09 am on December 13th, 2008
To the guy that said his African American teammates won't be happy about this…I say what they really gotta say about Africa? They probably aren't from there, have never been there, won't ever go there, and most likely the last 3 generation or more of their family hasn't been there. They are American's not African Americans. In order to be that you'd have to come from there wouldn't you agree. Hell, I'm Irish, but I don't call myself Irish American cause I wasn't born there or have I ever been there yet so what makes "African Americans" so different or as some people think so special?
4:20 am on December 14th, 2008
Because your ancestors chose to come here, we were brought here by force.
10:37 am on December 16th, 2008
I certainly don't care if someone wants to be called and African American. Just let me know, and that's what you'll forever be known to me as.