If you search for "Jonathan Martin" on Twitter, the top two handles that come up are @jmartNYT and @J_Martin71. The former, which is the query's first result, is a political correspondent for the New York Times. The latter is an NFL offensive linemen currently at the center of a controversial NFL bullying scandal.
The worlds of the two unrelated Jonathan Martins collided in bizarre, troubling fashion Monday, when football fans sent a deluge of ugly messages to the reporter's account, in reaction to news that the NFL player will likely sit out the remainder of this season.
See also: Are Twitter's Sports Trolls Out of Control?
Martin left the Miami Dolphins earlier this month after alleged excessive bullying by teammate Richie Incognito, who has been suspended from the team indefinitely. Martin hopes to play in NFL again, but won't likely attempt a return this season, and feels his time with the Dolphins is over, ESPN reported on Monday morning. Some have criticized Martin for overblowing his allegations of bullying, and for failing to accept the NFL's macho culture.
This was evident for NYT reporter Martin, who posted the following observation after noticing an influx of negativity in his mentions:
my @ feed, w all its confusion about my dolphin doppleganger, another reminder of how ppl will say things online they'd NEVER say in person
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) November 11, 2013
Total strangers berating a pro athlete from behind safety of a computer screen. Really is something.
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) November 11, 2013
Here are a few examples of the tweets Martin has been receiving:
Congratulations on becoming THE BIGGEST pussy in NFL history @jmartNYT .. You did it bro, ur number 1!!
— Chris Ross (@MrChrisJameson) November 9, 2013
@jmartNYT Jonathan gotta be a coward! 6 foot 5 300 pounds come on man this is not the way to teach your Children #BIGBABY #LEARNTOFIGHT
— thadjudda1 (@thadjudda1) November 4, 2013
Although, to be fair, he's also gotten some support from the Twitter peanut gallery:
@jmartNYT ur a boss keep ya head up and do you! Don't let this punk come between ur passion!
— D100 A.K.A WhiteWall (@D100GC) November 5, 2013
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[via Deadspin]
Image: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images