Rashard Mendenhall was an NFL running back who played for the Steelers. He faced controversy after posting his controversial views on Twitter about Osama Bin Laden's death. This led to backlash and the loss of his endorsement deal. He later apologized but still faced criticism as a role model. He retired in 2014 early, which some speculated was due to the Twitter controversy. The document stresses the importance of proper social media etiquette and shows how online posts can have real-life repercussions.

1. Think Before
you Post!
The Story of
Rashard Mendenhall
By: Nicolette Balsamo

2. Who is Rashard Mendenhall?
● Attended the University of Illinois
● Drafted by the Philadelphia Steelers

3. Twitter Rant
● Posted his views on the death of Osama Bin Laden via
Twitter
● Created a social media controversy

5. Tried to play “Cleanup”
● In an attempt to
save his image
“
I apologize for the timing as such a
sensitive matter, but it was not meant
to do harm. I apologize to anyone I
unintentionally harmed with anything
that I said, or any hurtful interpretation
that was made and put in my name.
”-- Rashard Mendenhall

6. In the Public Eye
● Champion Endorsement Deal
● Role Model?
● Watching every move you make

7. Retirement came early
● Retired in 2014, after 6 years
● Wanted to direct his focus elsewhere
● Was it because of the controversy?

8. 100% Preventable
● Proper Social
Media
Etiquette
● Do’s & Dont’s
https://youtu.be/gtaf00
ByAi0?t=34s

9. Repercussions
● Should it have been handled more harshly?
● He’s the face of the NFL
● Suspension

10. In Conclusion
● Increase in followers
● Social media.. help
or harm?

11. Sources
● http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6478438
● http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/pittsburgh-steelers-rashard-
mendenhall-questions-on-twitter-reaction-to-bin-laden-news-and-911-
events-050211
● http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rashard-mendenhall/rashard-
mendenhall-retirement-_b_4931316.html
● http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashard_Mendenhall
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtaf00ByAi0
● http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81fb309d/article/mendenhall
-loses-endorsement-deal-over-bin-laden-tweets