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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost in fairly embarrassing fashion yesterday, and that has understandably angered a lot of fans. And with that anger comes abuse hurled at players. That's a real issue, and we should all condemn that. It's fine to feel anger, it's not fine to abuse human beings -- and a reminder that they, too, care about the game and have feelings is occasionally in order.
Which is what Gerald McCoy sent out today, after apparently receiving some attacks on his character.
I can handle anger and disrespect towards us as players and coaches in "FOOTBALL". Very understandable!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
But when you start questioning my morals and me as a man you're taking it too far. That's bigger than sports. Complete disrespect!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
And then something interesting happened. First, fans started to tweet at him that they understood, but were just frustrated at the play. Which is pretty standard. And McCoy started to thank them -- and promise them it'll get better.
@DmackUSF9903 Yes agreed. BUT as football players and coaches only. Sorry you and your family had to feel that way. We'll get better.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@JSDaBawse Trust me we are buddy. Some things have to change and they will. Completely understand your anger.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@kaos336 I know buddy and I'm sorry. Promise you we're working. We'll get it fixed.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@ccc_griggs Preciate it buddy
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
"@halladayfan32: @Geraldini93 cheers from Canada have a great day keep playing hard god bless you Gerald" Thanx buddy
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@jprowell Thanx buddy
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@DmackUSF9903 I know. It'll come
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@TampaSueG Thanx sue!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@jcdelatorre I know man. I know. We'll get it fixed.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@kenric1 @LeoHowell8 All of us are the problem. We'll get it fixed though guys. Sorry for the disappointment.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@OropezaArt Thanx buddy
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@Rhetoric216 Preciate it buddy.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
He was even friendly to those who refused to be friendly with him, and defending angry fans at that.
@MattSScharver @CommishOnline Haha ok thanx buddy.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@MattSScharver @CommishOnline Thanx buddy any other kind words you have for me?
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@bucngators @MattSScharver @CommishOnline No it's fine. Leave him alone. He has an opinion like everybody else.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@MattSScharver @CommishOnline Was that ever said buddy. NO!! I never said that man said anything to me. Assumptions are a horrible thing.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@MattSScharver @CommishOnline I also said anger and anything that comes from our performance is ok. Tighten up buddy. Thanx for the support.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@Prguy5520 @DmackUSF9903 Don't disrespect the man. Yes we care. And I appreciate both you guys!!
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
@MattSScharver @bucngators @CommishOnline Continue to be a fan and voice your opinion. Preciate the support.
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) October 13, 2014
And this is why Gerald McCoy isn't just the best player on the Bucs, but he's the face of the franchise. He's a great player on the field, and a great person off the field.