Norfolk State University has been one of the better HBCU and mid-major basketball programs of the last few years, so there is no shortage of players looking to land there.
So over the weekend, a young man name Antoine Silvers posted a commitment to the HBCU program.
“With long thoughts and dreams of playing for my hometown school I will be committing to Norfolk State University,” the initial tweet read. “Thank God, my family and everyone support on this amazing journey.”
It appeared to be the typical commitment statement, complete with the hashtag #AGTG (All Glory To God).
However, a few hours later, it was apparent that this wasn’t quite what it appeared to be.
Norfolk State University head coach Robert Jones posted a tweet on X stating that he and his staff didn’t know the young man.
“Social media is super crazy now! We don’t even know this young man, so if anyone does please let him know . SMH. I know everyone wants the song and dance of D1 but run your own race. Also FYI: you shouldn’t block the head coach of the school you “committed” too. Wow!”
In an interview with Dallas College, Silvers reveals that he’s from the Tidewater area but moved to Texas in high school.
“I’m from Newport News, Virginia, where growing up amidst violence made it easy to get distracted. Wanting a better future for myself and my family, we decided to move to Texas for a new start,” Silvers said. “Despite a lack of stability in high school, a close relationship with Coach Phillips at Mountain View helped me focus, and now, as a freshman, I’m trusting the process.”
Shortly after Jones posted his tweet, another tweet came from Silvers’ account, apparently looking to clear the air.
“My Name Is Ty, I trolled Antwan As a Joke by posing as Colleges coaches over a situation that me and him got into it about a while back I didn’t mean for any harm shamefulness or hate to get thrown towards him it was simply a joke,” the tweet read.
Whether it was a joke or not, it definitely caught a lot of people’s attention. Either way, it’s an unfortunate circumstance for all involved. But it wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time.
Editor’s Note: The quotes in this story are taken directly from the tweets of those parties.