Bills kicker Tyler Bass leaves social media after receiving death threats for missed field goal
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has decided to deactivate his social media accounts following reports of online harassment and death threats he received for missing a crucial field goal attempt during Sunday’s divisional-round loss to the Chiefs.
In a game that ended 27-24 in favor of the Chiefs, Bass’s missed field goal, reminiscent of Scott Norwood’s infamous wide-right miss in the past, added another heartbreaking chapter to the Bills’ postseason struggles.
Taking responsibility for the miss, Bass stated, “Ultimately, you can put it on me. I got to do a better job of keeping my target. I got to do a better job of playing it a little bit more left to right. I’ve been playing here long enough to know you got to do that. … It just didn’t work out. I feel terrible. I love this team, and this one hurts bad.”
In the aftermath of the miss, some members of the Bills Mafia, the passionate fan base, have tried to show support for Bass amid the negative backlash. They have initiated donations to the Ten Lives Club, a no-kill cat rescue organization in Blasdell, N.Y., that Bass actively supports. According to the shelter, they received 646 donations totaling $14,760 as of Monday night.
A post on the Ten Lives Club’s Instagram page reads, “WE STAND WITH TYLER BASS. DON’T BULLY OUR FRIEND 👊 We just heard the terrible news that Tyler Bass is receiving threats after yesterday’s game, and our phones are ringing off the hook from people who want to donate $22 to Ten Lives Club in Tyler’s name. Tyler doesn’t deserve any of the hate he’s receiving. He’s an excellent football player and an even better person who took the time to help our organization and rescue cats last year. Leave our friend alone.”
The gesture of donating $22, representing Bass’s jersey number (No. 2), to the cat shelter he supports reflects the positive side of social media. Despite the negativity and harassment, it has enabled fans to come together and support a cause that the player cares about deeply.
However, the unfortunate incident also highlights the darker side of social media. While it provides a platform for fans to feel closer to their favorite athletes, it also opens the door to harassment and the sharing of negative sentiments with players.
Bass’s decision to deactivate his Instagram and Twitter accounts is a clear indication of the negative impact of online harassment. The incident underscores the need for greater awareness and measures to address the toxicity that can be pervasive in the realm of social media.
