**Texas Longhorns Head Coach Breaks Silence on Increasing Online Harassment Directed at Athletes**

**Texas Longhorns Head Coach Breaks Silence on Increasing Online Harassment Directed at Athletes**

 

In the wake of rising concerns over the increasing prevalence of online harassment directed at athletes, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has publicly addressed the issue, offering a candid perspective on how it affects both players and their broader support systems. His comments come amid a particularly intense period of scrutiny following a controversial play by one of his players in a recent game, which has drawn not only critical media attention but also a torrent of online abuse.

### Sarkisian’s Response to Online Harassment

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Sarkisian didn’t shy away from the topic, acknowledging the serious toll that online harassment can have on his athletes, particularly young men and women who are still in the formative stages of their lives and careers.

“I think there’s a big misconception that these athletes are immune to the pressures that come with being in the public eye,” Sarkisian said, visibly concerned. “They are 18, 19, 20-year-olds, and they have emotions just like anyone else. When they step on the field, they’re doing their best for the team, for the university, and for themselves. But when you throw the weight of online harassment on top of that, it can be overwhelming.”

His comments come as a response to the digital backlash faced by Texas linebacker Xavier Morgan, who was targeted after a controversial hit in the team’s recent game against Arizona State. While the hit itself was hotly debated, what followed was a flood of online abuse directed not just at Morgan, but also at his family and friends. The vitriol quickly escalated from criticisms of his play to personal attacks, including threats and derogatory comments about his character.

Sarkisian took the opportunity to highlight how destructive such behavior can be, especially in a world where the line between public criticism and personal attack has become increasingly blurred. “We’ve got to be mindful of what we put out into the world,” he said. “It’s one thing to criticize someone’s performance or decisions on the field, but it’s something entirely different when we start attacking them as people, especially when they’ve made a mistake or had a tough moment.”

### Mental Health and Player Well-being

Sarkisian, who has been vocal about his own struggles with mental health, touched on the importance of providing athletes with the support they need to cope with both the pressures of performance and the mental toll of online abuse. “At the end of the day, these players are human beings,” he explained. “They are giving everything they have to represent this university, and they deserve the same respect that anyone else would expect in their workplace.”

The Texas head coach also stressed the importance of fostering a supportive environment not only within the team but also in the broader fanbase. He expressed his belief that the college sports culture can do better, both in terms of how athletes are viewed and how they are treated, particularly in moments of controversy or adversity.

### Calls for Change in Social Media Culture

Sarkisian went on to advocate for a shift in how fans engage with athletes online, calling for a broader cultural shift that prioritizes empathy and understanding. He acknowledged that the intensity of fan engagement in college sports can often spill over into negative and harmful behaviors, but suggested that fans, players, and coaches all need to take responsibility for creating a healthier online space.

“It starts with respect,” he said. “If we can create a culture where it’s okay to criticize a player’s performance without resorting to personal attacks, then we can start to move in the right direction. Fans should be allowed to express their passion, but they also need to understand that these young men and women are trying their best, and they’re often still figuring things out.”

### Acknowledging the Bigger Picture

While Sarkisian’s comments have been largely well-received by both fans and fellow coaches, the larger issue of online harassment in sports remains complex and unresolved. Many are calling for stronger regulations surrounding social media abuse, with some suggesting that platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook should take a more active role in monitoring and eliminating toxic behavior.

Moreover, the emotional toll on athletes is now becoming a focal point for universities and athletic departments. Several programs, including Texas, have begun expanding their mental health resources for players, offering counseling services and other forms of support to help them navigate the pressures of the modern sports landscape.

### Moving Forward

As Sarkisian wrapped up his remarks, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Texas athletes are given the tools and support they need to succeed on and off the field. “We’re here for our players, and we want them to know that they are valued as individuals, not just athletes,” he said. “We have to work together—players, coaches, and fans—to create an environment where we can celebrate success and address struggles in a constructive way.”

The issue of online harassment in sports is not going away, and Sarkisian’s willingness to speak out is a step toward a broader conversation about how we can protect athletes while fostering a more positive and supportive culture.

 

The Texas Longhorns are currently embroiled in controversy following a high-profile incident during their recent game against Arizona State. The play in question, a hit that occurred late in the second half, has sparked heated debate, with many fans and analysts calling it both a turning point in the game and a dangerous violation of sportsmanship. As a result, the Texas player involved is now facing widespread harassment both online and in person.

### The Controversial Hit

The moment occurred during a critical play late in the fourth quarter when Texas linebacker, Junior Xavier Morgan, delivered a fierce hit to Arizona State quarterback, Jacob Stevens. Stevens, who had already released the ball, was hit aggressively by Morgan, sending him to the ground with a whiplash motion. While it appeared Morgan led with his shoulder, the hit was deemed by many as excessive and borderline dangerous. The referees, however, did not call a penalty, and the hit was not flagged for targeting.

From the outset, fans from Arizona State and others around the college football community expressed their outrage. Arizona State head coach, Lisa Williams, publicly condemned the hit, calling it “reckless” and “completely out of line.” She said, “That was an unnecessary shot. We respect the physical nature of the game, but that was just a moment of poor judgment.”

### Online Backlash

What followed was a wave of online harassment directed at Morgan. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok saw an avalanche of messages, some supportive but many critical or outright hostile. Harassment directed at Morgan ranged from name-calling to threats of violence. His social media accounts were flooded with negative comments, including accusations of intentional malice and suggestions that he should be suspended or even expelled from the team.

Several people posted personal details about Morgan, including his hometown and past game footage, adding to the vitriol. Some users even went as far as to attack his family and friends. The intensity of the harassment led to Morgan temporarily deactivating his social media accounts to protect his privacy and mental well-being.

### Reaction from Texas and Morgan

In the aftermath of the game, Morgan addressed the situation in an emotional statement. “Football is a physical game, and sometimes things happen in the heat of the moment,” he said. “I never intended to hurt anyone, and I sincerely hope Jacob Stevens is okay. I respect my opponents, and I would never intentionally put someone at risk. I want to apologize to anyone who felt hurt by that play.”

The University of Texas has also been involved in the situation, with officials calling for a review of the incident. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte issued a statement expressing the school’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring that all players are held accountable for their actions. “We stand by the values of sportsmanship and integrity. We are looking into this incident thoroughly and will take appropriate steps to address it,” Del Conte said.

Despite the incident, Morgan has continued to practice with his teammates and has been included in the lineup for Texas’ upcoming game. However, some fans have questioned whether his presence on the field sends the wrong message, suggesting that the university should impose disciplinary actions.

### Broader Implications

The situation has opened up a broader conversation about the increasing prevalence of online harassment directed at athletes. While the speed and reach of social media allow fans to express opinions and criticisms, the line between healthy discourse and harmful behavior is often blurred. Online bullying in sports has become an unfortunate reality, with many athletes struggling to manage the pressure and abuse that comes with being in the public eye.

Moreover, the incident highlights a growing concern about player safety. With concussion protocols and concerns about long-term injuries at the forefront of college football, moments like this one raise serious questions about how officials determine what constitutes a legal hit versus one that is dangerous.

As the debate continues, Texas fans and the broader football community are left to reconsider what actions should be taken to balance player safety, sportsmanship, and the sometimes overwhelming influence of fan culture.