Texas A&M men’s basketball head coach Buzz Williams has addressed the issue of online hate after senior guard Jace Carter revealed he had been subjected to death threats and racial slurs on social media throughout the season. Despite these challenges, Carter played a pivotal role in the Aggies’ 80-71 victory over Yale in the NCAA Tournament’s first round, contributing 10 points in nine minutes off the bench.

 

Carter disclosed that he had been receiving threatening messages due to missed free throws and shots, stating, “It’s been crazy. [I’ve] been getting death threats, people calling me racial slurs [and] all types of stuff because I’m missing free throws, missing shots.” He acknowledged the difficulty of facing such vitriol, especially when it originates from the team’s own fan base, but emphasized his resilience: “It does get challenging at times, but at the end of the day, I’m comfortable with who … .”

 

Coach Williams expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of online hate targeting players. He noted that this issue has become more significant than ever in his career, stating, “I have spent more time with our … ; the opinion of others seems to … .”

 

Williams has engaged in discussions with Carter’s parents and other players to address the impact of such negativity. He shared that similar conversations have occurred multiple times within the organization, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. To protect his own well-being, Williams has distanced himself from social media, stating, “That’s why I’ve kind of quit social … , just because of the things that were … .”

 

Recognizing that younger players have grown up with digital platforms, Williams acknowledges the challenge in advising them to avoid social media. Instead, he focuses on educating them on how to handle online negativity. He observed that players are particularly affected when negative comments come from those they perceive as supporters, saying, “I think the thing that bothers our …

 

Williams emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication with his players, aiming to guide them through the challenges posed by online hate and ensure their mental well-being in the face of such adversity