Vikings' Alexander Mattison reveals racial abuse from fans after fumble in loss to Eagles
Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison revealed some of the abusive and racist messages that he received after a 34-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.
Mattison, who ran for 28 yards and lost a fumble in the game, shared screenshots of messages and comments from fans that included racial slurs.
"I hope the 60+ people who decided to come at me with disgustingly disrespectful messages tonight in DMs and comments really reflect on WTF you say and how it could truly affect someone under my helmet," Mattison wrote on Instagram. "I am a human, a father, a son. This is sick."
The NFLPA showed its support for Mattison in a post Friday morning, offering its services to other players who may want to filter their social media to avoid such instances.
The Vikings also put out a statement saying they were "sickened by the hatred and racist slurs" directed at Mattison.
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"I know this is not just an isolated incident just from last night for Alex," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said in a video posted by the Vikings. "Racism has no place," O'Connell added.
A third-round pick out of Boise State in 2019, Mattison in his fifth season with the Vikings. He set a career high with five rushing touchdowns last year and has taken over as the team's primary running back this season after the departure of Dalvin Cook.