If there isn’t a rule at the University of Texas where players have to put their phones into a box before entering the locker room, there will be now.
Charlie Strong’s Longhorns are in disarray this season, falling to 1-4 after a throttling by in-state rival TCU on Saturday. During halftime of that blowout, freshman defensive back Kris Boyd snuck a peek at his phone and decided to hit the retweet button on a call for him to transfer to Texas A&M.
Did Boyd forget tweets have timestamps?
Did Boyd forget people in Texas really care about college football and that a simple click of a button on his phone would turn into an internet firestorm no matter when he reposted the comment?
Did Boyd forget that retweets ALWAYS mean endorsements, especially when you are retweeting something about leaving the school you chose to transfer to the school many thought you were going to choose?
There’s a lot Boyd seemingly forgot, which is why on Sunday the official Longhorns Twitter feed issued an apology on his behalf.
Apology from CB Kris Boyd: "As I've had time to reflect on my actions, and after personally apologizing to my coaches and teammates, …
— Texas Football (@Longhorn_FB) October 4, 2015
… I would also like to extend my sincerest apology to all of the Longhorn fans & family and everyone at UT! In NO way did I intend …
— Texas Football (@Longhorn_FB) October 4, 2015
… to be disrespectful or disloyal. I deeply regret my actions and want to reassure everyone that I am 100% committed to this team …
— Texas Football (@Longhorn_FB) October 4, 2015
… and program. I take pride and honor in being a student-athlete at The University of Texas. …
— Texas Football (@Longhorn_FB) October 4, 2015
… I promise everyone that I will learn and grow from this." (end of Boyd quote)
— Texas Football (@Longhorn_FB) October 4, 2015
Boyd has not tweeted from his personal feed since Saturday, with no mention of an apology or anything referring back to the Longhorns’ team feed. He has, however, favorited a few dozen tweets since the original retweet, including these gems.
@kris23db just leave man. You're trash to us Longhorn FAITHFUL.
— Dark Knight▲ (@_Jnabb_) October 4, 2015
@TexasFB you're not my team, but if I had a player @kris23db tweet at halftime of a loss about transferring, he'd NOT be on my team anymore
— Sally Jo (@SallyJoLowBlow) October 3, 2015
Hey @kris23db you wanna transfer go for it. I traveled all the way to endure that game and if you can't have that dedication get out.
— Nichole Davidson (@NicholeDavidson) October 3, 2015
Nah. I've been a #Longhorn for over 20 yrs. @kris23db should be kicked off the team. Then he can go where he wants. https://t.co/rub4PB9ZFs
— April (@ReignOfApril) October 4, 2015
I wholeheartedly agree. You're not proud to be Longhorn? GET THA FK OUT! @ReignOfApril @kris23db @Longhorn_FB
— MaxineShaw (@KimShoeCrzy) October 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/_LadyG3mini_/status/650633530943406080
After his apology was posted by the Longhorns PR department, there were more positive tweets landing in his notifications, and Boyd favorite a bunch of them as well.
Still, favoriting the barrage of negative tweets seemed downright LeBatardian by the youngster.
Will Boyd use these tweets as future motivation?
Will Boyd realize people can see his favorites too?
Was Boyd the Texas Rangers employee who tweeted about firing Charlie Strong and then got fired for sending that tweet?
The lesson is clear: if you live in Texas and you have any thoughts on Longhorns football, never tweet. Especially retweets.