This past weekend, a video started to surface of a middle school student named Keaton Jones, who was sharing with his mother, the emotional toll that bullying from fellow students was taking on him.
This is Keaton Jones, he lives in Knoxville and he has a little something to say about bullying.https://t.co/coyQxFp33V
— OutKick Bets (@OutKickBets) December 9, 2017
“People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it,” an emotional Jones said in the viral video. “it’s not their fault. If you are made fun of, just don’t let it bother you and stay strong I guess. It’ll probably get better one day.”
The video began to go viral late on Saturday and by Sunday, many people around the country, including athletes and others in the sports world, took to twitter to offer their encouragement, share the video and to tell Keaton how much he is valued and loved.
Keaton,U are not ugly, U are amazing. U r my hero for sharing ur story & continuing the conversation about the harm of bullying.Stay Strong! https://t.co/HaO2NqP4SP
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) December 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR/status/939661794791919616
https://twitter.com/Keenan13Allen/status/940087469621387266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fextra-mustard%2F2017%2F12%2F11%2Fathletes-show-support-bullied-keaton-jones
That’s a damn shame. Keaton if your around when we play in Memphis i would love to invite you to one of our games. Head up Champ! https://t.co/Moh9ObdgX8
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) December 11, 2017
Damn right! Bullies are straight up wack, corny, cowards, chumps, etc, etc! Keaton keep your head up buddy and push forward! You're the best https://t.co/pqDgay77l9
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/toriihunter48/status/940220131803828224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fextra-mustard%2F2017%2F12%2F11%2Fathletes-show-support-bullied-keaton-jones
Meet Keaton Jones a very smart little boy who is being bullied at school. This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters. If anyone knows how i can reach the family please let me know. Thank u everyone pic.twitter.com/BR8c4ldDFc
— danawhite (@danawhite) December 10, 2017
@DonteStallworth @Lakyn_Jones hopefully my video and the tweets that Keaton have been getting brings awareness to bullying and how serious it is in our school system pic.twitter.com/1Dujv3RxA5
— Delanie Walker (@delaniewalker82) December 9, 2017
Hey Keaton, I’m very sorry you have been going through such tough times. You showed a lot of courage by letting people know how some have been treating you. We would love have you and your family come out to @CollegeGameDay anytime you’d like next year. You’re always welcome. https://t.co/9WTkpt8Xub
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 11, 2017
Keaton I, along with my @CSUFootball and @packers brothers wanted you to know that we stand against bullying. @Lakyn_Jones #StandWithKeaton pic.twitter.com/qReeMlDp71
— Bernard Blake (@BamBam_Blake23) December 10, 2017
Hey Keaton, unfortunately you aren't alone. A lot of kids are bullied, but they will be so uplifted by your courage. You're a hero, young man. You are treasured and valued. Let me know if you'd ever like to visit ESPN. You can be my special guest. https://t.co/N8mkUTYnEy
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 11, 2017
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14