Gophers Tweet #NLMB In Support Of Suspended Players
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Gopher players and others are speaking out on Twitter in support of 10 suspended University of Minnesota football players.
Saturday, #NLMB was trending on the social media site. The hashtag stands for "Never Leave My Brothers," and indicates support for 10 Gopher football players suspended indefinitely this week in connection with a sexual assault investigation.
An account appearing to belong to one of the suspended players, Tamarion Johnson, tweeted the hashtag Saturday. Other Gopher players and a graduate assistant also showed their support on Twitter.
The hashtag was not limited to University of Minnesota players as athletes from other schools, including Notre Dame, Oklahoma State University and the University of Minnesota-Duluth added their support.
Former Gopher receiver Isaac Fruechte, who is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, joined in the support as well.
Other Twitter users were attempting to co-opt the hashtag to tweet messages of support to victims of sexual assault, raise awareness about the issue and criticize the football players involved.
Players announced Thursday they would boycott all football activities in response to the suspensions. Saturday, the players announced their boycott is ending and they will play in the Holiday Bowl Dec. 27.
