SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Kyle Williams is ignoring the barrage of hateful, hurtful, even threatening comments he has received via social media in the aftermath of his ill-timed fumble that cost the San Francisco 49ers the NFC championship game against the New York Giants.
Williams said Monday he takes full responsibility for his fumble on a punt return in overtime of a 20-17 loss to the Giants on Sunday night that set up Lawrence Tynes’ winning field goal, calling the moment “painful.”
“I really didn’t pay attention to Twitter. All the feedback I needed was family and friends, the guys in the locker room,” Williams said.
Instantly, Williams was made a villain on the Internet.
He insisted it’s part of his job to face the criticism in the aftermath of his mistakes and not hide out in a difficult time. Perhaps that will go a little way in calming down the angry fans, some of whom wished harm on Williams and his family after the gaffes.
“It’s one of those things you have to take accountability for,” Williams said. “Everybody is responsible for what they do on the field. It’s something that I was responsible for and I made a mistake, and it’s time to own up to it and move forward.”
Kicker David Akers took to Twitter on Monday asking people to stop with the harsh remarks directed toward his teammate, saying “ppl need to get a grip! Leave Kyle alone!” He also reminded everybody the NFC West-champion 49ers (14-4) win and lose together, so there would be no finger-pointing in the locker room.
“I’m irritated with the way people are treating him, absolutely,” Akers said. “I think it’s ridiculous. You know, get a grip on what life’s about.”
Williams has spoken to his father, Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams, who told ESPN on Monday that his son might have separated his shoulder in the third quarter before making two critical blunders. Williams also fumbled with 11:06 left in regulation.
