Tyrann Mathieu is going on a social media hiatus
As of Friday afternoon, the Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the 23-year-old Pro Bowl defensive back were shut down.
A representative for Mathieu, Denise White of EAG Sports Management, told ESPN that he's "taking a break for a while” and added there isn’t a timeline for his return.
So it sounds like a few plays or weeks off for Mathieu, who also is rehabilitating after surgery to repair the torn right ACL he suffered on December 20 after intercepting a Sam Bradford pass.
Mathieu has a pretty large following on the various social media platforms, where he frequently commented on social issues and other athletes, posted inspirational and emotional messages and generally read like an open book.
After the shooting death of New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Will Smith on Saturday, Mathieu also posted a series of tweets claiming to know alleged killer Cardell Hayes, writing "Never knew he'd grow up to be a killer tho..... May you get what you deserve coward."
In the wake of those remarks, which included commentary on his home city of New Orleans, Mathieu told several outlets that he he received death threats.
But according to Denise White, Mathieu’s hiatus is unrelated to Will Smith's death.
On @RichEisenShow, New Orleans native @Mathieu_Era said relatives of the man who shot Will Smith have threatened himhttps://t.co/nlwyuDJQ4A
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) April 11, 2016
Mathieu is a passionate individual and one of the most compelling and talented athletes in the NFL. Social media will be a little less interesting during his break.
There's a bit more clarity about his return to the football field, though.
"He heals like Wolverine," Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald told the Arizona Republic on April 10. "We’re so happy to see he’s going to be ready to go for us by training camp, and he can pick right where he left off."
