David Clowney Tweets HIV test results
CHARLOTTE, NC – CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, David Clowney of the Carolina Panthers poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
David Clowney, the wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, has had a fairly unremarkable career. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and didn't even play in the 2011 season. Yet today, he is one of the most searched athletes on Google, all because he shared some very personal information: his HIV test results.
Clowney Tweeted, "Got My HIV Results Back!! Thank God for keeping my body healthy and safe."
After sharing his results with his Twitter followers, Clowney found himself in the middle of a 'should he or shouldn't he have Tweeted,' controversy.
CBS sports reporter Josh Katzowitz, enthusiastically backed Clowney's decision saying, "I'll make this pledge to you: the next time I have to undergo a urine test, the first thing I'll do is Tweet out the results."
Bleacher Report writer Tim Keeley compared the incident to when Magic Johnson revealed he was HIV positive during a press conference and questioned what Clowney would do if the report came back positive. Keeley said, "Would Clowney have Tweeted that picture if the results were positive? I'm not sure, but nonetheless, it's kind of scary how some athletes are willing to tweet such private information."
USA Today's Nate Davis lamented that he wished Clowney would care more about the game, and less about his personal life. Davis said, "Thanks for the update, DC How about let's just focus on catching passes moving forward, and keep the other business under your helmet?"
More from GlobalPost: NFL players union sues league over secret salary cap
After hearing feedback from both sports reporters and fans, Clowney shared his thoughts on the matter. He said, "Some people are Ridiculously stupid,.. And can't see the bigger picture about things that are important in this world!!" he wrote. "Everyone should get tested!! ,.. Don't wait till HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to find out if you have it or not!! I'm never the type to let things get to me,. But it bothers the hell out of me to know people make jokes about AIDS AND HIV!!!!"
Check out some of the more zealous Twitter and Facebook reactions to Clowney's Tweet.