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Ronnie Bell had a rough end to the game between Michigan and Penn State after an unfortunate drop on fourth and goal that went right through his fingers in the endzone. It was a recurring problem for the wide receiver room on the night, but that it ended that way for the kid who has been Michigan’s most consistent wide receiver all season was tough to swallow.
Unfortunately, that’s life and that’s sports.
However, what we are about to share from an enormous turd of a human being that was posted to social media from Bell’s father, Aaron, is a glimpse into the type of venom and hatred that people feel compelled to share because of a dang sporting event.
— Aaron Bell (@abellboys) October 20, 2019
That sucks, and we cannot disavow that type of behavior anymore if we tried. There is a very vocal minority of fans that choose to approach it this way, and when it happens, it deserves to be called out.
However, that isn’t representative of Michigan fans. There are bad eggs in every fan base, but the amount of people both locally and nationally who chimed in to support Bell for his efforts deserves a tip of the cap. There is far more of that out there than what those rotten folks say.
Final - Penn State 28, Michigan 21
— Pa-'trick or treat' Barron (@BlueBarronPhoto) October 20, 2019
Ronnie Bell was in tears after the game. Ronnie put his heart and soul into the game today and Michigan nation should be nothing but proud of him. pic.twitter.com/teTC9QYKAU
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt went as far as to call bad fans “trash”
For all the trash fans that want to bag on Ronnie Bell.
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) October 20, 2019
He is a great young man and a great player!!
No one feels worse than him...Good chance you won't achieve 1/10 of what this young man has already achieved in your whole life!
Now go warm up the meatloaf
Jim Nagy, who runs the Senior Bowl, saw the emotions as a positive for what it means for Bell’s career moving forward
Scouting takeaways from @UMichFootball WR Ronnie Bell’s emotions are all positives: 1) loves football; 2) winning/losing matters to him; 3) doesn’t want to let down teammates.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 20, 2019
If I’m an NFL scout I file last night away and use those things to fight for him in a draft room. pic.twitter.com/isNE2uGkb7
Kirk Herbstreit, who called the game on Saturday night and will again this week, has some thoughts
To the so called @UMichFootball “fans” (Vocal minority) bashing Ronnie Bell. Kid plays for “your” team..battles his ass off ALL night..has an unfortunate drop late and you decide to crush him??? What the hell is WRONG WITH YOU?
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 20, 2019
Unfortunate aspect of twitter-gives idiots a voice!
Yes, Michigan is lucky
Ronnie Bell is a playmaker, we are lucky to have him....
— The Player & The Fan (@theplayerthefan) October 20, 2019
Larry Prout, the purest and kindest soul in the Michigan fanbase, showed us why yet again
Hey Ronnie i know you are sad but I want you to know that I believe in you and I'm behind you 100% and I can't wait to watch you and all the guys beat Notre Dame. Your friend Larry prout jr
— Larry Prout Jr BEAR (@coobles321) October 20, 2019
Michigan Man Rich Eisen shared some words of encouragement as well
Hey Ronnie Bell — keep your chin up! Lots more football to be played and lots more mountains to peak! All part of the journey! #GoBlue
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) October 20, 2019
Michigan made its mistakes together on Saturday night and it was a total team effort that led to a near win, and also a team effort that led to a hole that was too big to dig out of. Bell, a sophomore, has a bright future ahead of him and one hopes he is able to put this behind him because, for as much grief as #SpeedInSpace gets at times, he is a critical piece of the offense and someone who could continue to emerge as this team looks to take a step forward.
Share your words of encouragement for Bell below, if you feel so compelled.