The New York Mets have joined the online troll mob targeting Jayden Daniels, the star quarterback of the Washington Commanders, over his recent legal action against his alma mater, LSU. Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, objecting to the use of his name, image, and likeness without his consent. This move sparked a social media frenzy, with the Mets making a mockery of Daniels' situation in a viral post on X, captioned 'Stopped at 4 out of respect for Jayden Daniels'.
Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy with LSU in 2023, felt that LSU head coach Lane Kiffin's decision to allow DJ Pickett to wear his No. 5 jersey was disrespectful. Daniels' camp took issue with this, and he issued a statement on social media, emphasizing his focus on training camp and his gratitude for his time at LSU. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved privately between his team and LSU.
The online backlash intensified, with StubHub, a ticketing website, announcing that it would no longer offer tickets in groups of five out of respect for Daniels. This move, while seemingly light-hearted, underscores the absurdity of the situation and the lengths to which some are going to mock Daniels.
Daniels' situation highlights the complex relationship between athletes, their alma maters, and the business of sports. While his legal action may have been justified, the intense online reaction, including the Mets' trolling, raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the impact of social media on public figures. As the regular season begins, Daniels can only hope that the online blitz subsides, allowing him to focus on his football career without further social media scrutiny.
