In this day and age, social media usage is widespread. It seems that almost everyone—from elementary-aged children to grandparents—uses some form of social media to interact with family and friends. Despite its latest controversies, Facebook still has 1.59 billion users, and 400 million people use Instagram to share photos and videos to their followers. For better or worse, social media is here to stay and it has changed society as dramatically as the widespread use of the telephone did in the early 20th century.

But content that is shared on social media can both positively or negatively affect a person's private and professional life. A Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher is now facing an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse after his former girlfriend posted some cryptic messages from two Instagram accounts she manages.

Instagram Allegations

Sam Dyson is an MLB pitcher who recently became a free agent when the 2019 baseball season ended. He most recently played for the Minnesota Twins and his career has included playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Miami Marlins, the Texas Rangers, and the San Francisco Giants.

On November 26, 2019, Dyson's ex-girlfriend, Alexis Blackburn, posted two lengthy messages to two Instagram accounts she manages. One is her own personal Instagram account, and the other is an account in her cat's name where she often writes from the point of view of the cat.

The cat, Snuckles, is pictured sitting on top of a Halloween-themed play box. Another picture shows the play box smashed to bits. A caption reads, “Someone I trusted with my safety, protection, and love did the unthinkable while I was inside the box.” The post goes on to say, “Mom has put up with a lot and some people won't believe her and that's okay,” and then goes on to describe Snuckles and “Mom” moving to “grandma's” house where it's “safe.”

From her personal Instagram account, Blackburn used her own voice to describe being bullied and that she had ignored red flags because she had loved someone.

After being notified of the Instagram posts, MLB said they would open an investigation into Dyson and that their investigation would include interviewing Blackburn. Dyson has not made a comment about the situation as of this writing.

Accused of Domestic Violence on Social Media?

Has a former partner of yours posted something to a social media account that has led to your employer or even worse, the police, contacting you as part of an investigation? You have the right to defend the allegations, and you will need the trusted and expert help of the Law Offices of Steve Karimi to do so. Contact him at 206-621-8777 or fill out a contact form today to get started on scheduling a free consultation of your case.