Colts Educate Players On Social Media

Colts use MLB social media controversy as opportunity to educate players, young athletes

Posted 5:30 PM, August 3, 2018, by Larra Overton, Updated at 07:09PM, August 3, 2018

Thornton told FOX59 that just this week he shared with his players an article 11-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten wrote for ESPN, outlining his social media commandments, which includes not replying to negativity and to avoid posting anything that wouldn't make your family proud.
"Any time you have a guy who is a credible player who has had success on and off the field, I think he's a voice that's worthy of us listening to,” Thornton said of Witten. “Just the tips and the guidelines that Jason Witten offered to professional athletes, I thought were great. They were very insightful, they were helpful and whenever we have opportunities to teach our guys from resources such as that I like to share that with our guys. So they are aware of those commandments, the ‘do’s and the don'ts,’ that Jason Witten offered, they were simple, clear and had a positive intent behind it."
Thornton also explained that vetting players' social media is something the organization does thoroughly in its evaluation of a player and his character.
"It’s really important for us to dive in and see who are we bringing into our locker room to hopefully be an investment that is going to help our team improve, rather than a risk."
Thornton also sees this as an opportunity to educate young athletes on the importance of being mindful with social media activity.
"If you are using social media whether it's Twitter or Instagram or Facebook, really just think, just think before you press send, is this something that my family would be proud of, is this something that down the road I would be okay with anyone reading about me because once you press send, there's no retrieving that information."