Since Rashaan Evans, an Auburn High School product, spurned his hometown school for hated rival Alabama on signing day, the five-star 2014 Tide signee has been the object of mean-spirited -- and worse -- treatment from shunned and jilted Tiger fans.
The linebacker revealed as much during an interview Monday, claiming that AU fans have called for a boycott of his family’s Corner Market store in Auburn while also tossing out the kindergarten-like “I hope you tear an ACL” card. A day later, Evans’ father has added to the disturbing narrative.
Taking aim specifically at the Wild West that is Internet message boards as well as social media in an interview with al.com, Alan Evans boiled down the treatment of his son specifically and his family in general to one simple question: “how would you feel if this were your child?” Of course, in a perfect world those responsible for such juvenile behavior toward Evans’ son would be incapable of procreating, but his overall point is understood.
The elder Evans also called it “shocking and hurtful” that some in the community in which he lives would encourage a boycott of his business, an act that threatens to have “a negative impact on our livelihood.”
While understanding “that people in this state take football very seriously and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” the level of backlash against his son’s decision and the viciousness involved has taken the father by surprise.
“It’s kind of disturbing to know that it’s such a thin line between love and hate,” Alan said. “A couple weeks ago before he made his decision, Auburn was handing him the keys to the kingdom when they thought he was a lock. Now they want to crucify Rashaan and his family because he wanted to do what he thought was best for him and his future.”
Evans did, though, toss the ultimate dagger in the general direction of the AU fan base.
[/tosses mic]
[/climbs to top rope]
[/chugs beer]
(Photo credit: Rivals.com)