Bielema Goes on Twitter Blocking Rampage
Have you noticed you aren’t seeing anything from the head Hog on your twitter timeline lately? You might check to see if you are a part of a mass blocking campaign by Bielema.
If you’re a Razorback fan on Twitter, I am sure you’ve been seeing some chatter about Bielema snubbing fans. It seems that after the loss to MIZZOU, the head coach went on a blocking bonanza. He is even going as far as to target fans who have been loyal to the coach.
I personally haven’t had this happen to me…yet. Who knows exactly what is going on for him to be doing this but there are a couple theories. There are some similarities in some of the blocks that make you think there is a certain type of fan being looked at.
Firstly, if you don’t want to be blacklisted, don’t say ANYTHING about the defense. I am not talking about giving your opinion, I am saying don’t even tweet stats. Multiple people who are part of his spree, are saying that was the only negative thing they had said about this team. Some were sniped for simply tweeting numbers.
Secondly, don’t say anything that could be construed as any type of criticism in any way? Seriously. That’s probably about what it comes down to. Some coaches, and I assume he is one, have people constantly searching for posts about the program online.
Some Reactions From Fans Who Were Targeted
@DavidBazzel @RogerScottBUZZ You all blocked by @BretBielema yet? He's on a hog-fan blocking rampage for any1 upset abt the defense! #LOSER
— #FireBretAndCo (@hogwired08) November 28, 2016
Hmmmm. Why have I been blocked from following @BretBielema ?
— Ray Benson (@RayBenson3) November 28, 2016
@jake_hawg34 @Hogtrough @BretBielema he has blocked about half the fan base. Guess he has pretty thin skin. ????
— Neetsar (@neetsark) November 28, 2016
Hey @BretBielema get that Turkey Leg outta your mouth and let me know why you've got me blocked… pic.twitter.com/xHKhShcRrS
— WOOPIGSOOIE (@W00PIGS000IE) November 24, 2016
If arkansas blocked liked @BretBielema blocks critics then we would be undefeated
— Christopher Dophied (@cdopamine) November 25, 2016
@BretBielema Really disappointed I'm blocked.. Future UARK student, cousin of @Hayden__johnson, & family is long term season ticket holders.
— Hayden Staton (@haydenstaton) November 25, 2016
Now it’s no secret that Bielema doesn’t constantly run his own account but the fact remains that he pays people to shield him from the slightest criticism. Has it gotten that bad where he can’t stand the stats anymore? Is this a sign of something else going on?
When a coach either personally or instructs for the blacklist of his programs fans there’s a problem. At this point, you would think that Bielema and his media team would be all about positive press right? His job performance in year four hasn’t exactly gotten fans rallied behind him. It’s not a good look that the fans who HAVE stuck with you are starting to feel shunned and betrayed.
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The Kingsbury Situation
“If you don’t play with a fullback, we’ll kick your ass. If you throw it 70 times a game, we’ll kick your ass.’ He just got his ass kicked twice in a row, and probably next week by A&M, as well. So, that did feel good.”
Remember that time Bielema trolled Kliff Kingsbury? Well, it didn’t end to well for Bret since Kingsbury’s Red Raiders stomped the Razorbacks that very season. So how did Bielema respond when called out by Kliff?
“It’s like, ‘Come on, brother, don’t be so sensitive. We’re talking football here. Not about you in particular.’”- Bret Bielema after hearing Kilff Kingsbury comment
Then again, Bielema is known for being a troll since his days in the Big Ten. However, now that he hasn’t done so well and has had to use the “this kind of loss won’t be tolerated” line two times in one season, his boisterous attitude seems to have turned timid. For him to block in mass, those who didn’t even directly message him their concerns or a stat is kinda ironic given his past?
A coach is supposed to be a leader of not only his team but also to the entirety of the legion of loyal dollars that support his program. I am by far not saying that ticket sales will be impacted by a twitter blocking rampage but what I am saying is that fans who see this kind of behavior take notice. I mean it’s like come on brother don’t be so sensitive. We’re talking football here. Not about you in particular. Woo Pig.
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