Jay Feeley, a former NFL Pro-Bowl kicker, sparked a conversation about gun safety and traditional roles when he posted a photo from his daughter’s prom. In the picture, Feeley stood in between his daughter and her date, her boyfriend of over a year, while holding a pistol. Some have said the joke was reckless, while others see it as a harmless expression of a father’s desire to protect his daughter.
Wishing my beautiful daughter and her date a great time at prom #BadBoys pic.twitter.com/T5JRZQYq9e
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) April 22, 2018
And, of course, this all happened on Twitter, the social media page where people show up angry ready to shout. Certainly, the ongoing gun control conversation led some people to be angrier than others. They all seemed to think the single picture was a comprehensive statement on gun legislation and the role of a father in his daughter’s life.
How is this responsible gun ownership? When did guns become a vehicle for twisted humor? What in the hell is wrong with this guy? https://t.co/aV7Eyk8Der
— Tracy (@TracyFootworks) April 22, 2018
I had dinner with my daughter’s date a week before. I asked their plans, told them to call if they needed anything. Told my daughter to take care. No guns necessary. https://t.co/XojIzWTcxW
— Thomas Greene (@doubting_t) April 22, 2018
Obviously, a gun isn’t necessary. Feeley knew that and clarified his position.
The prom picture I posted was obviously intended to be a joke. My Daughter has dated her boyfriend for over a year and they knew I was joking.
I take gun safety seriously (the gun was not loaded and had no clip in) and I did not intend to be insensitive to that important issue— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) April 22, 2018
Even his father, Tom, felt the need to step in.
Hey, not a big fan of guns, but there are some times you just have to make a point. In this case, all is just in fun. These two kids have been dating for several years and they are fully trusted.
— Coach Tom Feely (@CoachFeely) April 22, 2018
Loving Dads, particularly in the South are going to stand up for their daughter. They don’t need guns, and simply talking with the boy is enough. But teenage boys are idiots driven by hormones, which any father knows because he was one. He knows exactly what he is protecting his daughter. from
