When you're a professional athlete you know you're going to be subjected to all sorts of hateful words, everybody knows that. But do you ever see them retaliate? No, because they're professionals that people look up to. They're taught to turn the other cheek and let hateful words go. It's just people being ignorant and abusing their right to free speech. Luckily, we live in a country where you can say whatever you want, and be able to voice your opinion without retaliation (even the ignorant people like racists and Westboro Baptist Church).

Here's a conversation that I had with Jerome Williams (@pinkpuka) and LaTroy Hawkins (@LaTroyHawkins32) on twitter. You tell me if this went too far.

"@jgraae007: @pinkpuka57 way to lose the game u fucked up tooth Nigger" let's let this guy know its never ok to use hateful words.

— Jerome Williams (@pinkpuka57) June 13, 2012

@pinkpuka57 he is from leesberg fl and owns landscaping biz (phone number) he has a FB page what a idiot sick em boys @LaTroyHawkins32

— Scott Brown (@Sec202RowD) June 13, 2012

@Sec202RowD @pinkpuka57 @LaTroyHawkins32 Maybe it's time to be the bigger man, and let this go. Posting his phone number is childish.

— Kody Macaulay (@Kody_Mac) June 13, 2012

@Kody_Mac @Sec202RowD @pinkpuka57 he opened himself you for what ever comes his way with his racial comments toward @pinkpuka57 #angels

— LaTroy Hawkins (@LaTroyHawkins32) June 13, 2012

@LaTroyHawkins32 @pinkpuka57 It's true that he's a racist and abused his right of free speech but, it is a right that I fight for. #military

— Kody Macaulay (@Kody_Mac) June 13, 2012

@Kody_Mac sorry bro. The message that was sent to me is uncalled for. And I want people to know who this guy is. -@pinkpuka57

@pinkpuka57 Calling him out over twitter is one thing, posting his phone number is another. Somebody could actually get hurt that way. -@Kody_Mac

What are your thoughts on this? Should athletes be held to a higher standard even on the internet?