Author: Sahil Jain
Wallace de Souza, a former Olympic gold medalist in volleyball, has been suspended for a year by the Brazilian Olympic Committee for online abuse and instigating violence against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This comes after Souza conducted a poll on social media asking whether Lula deserved to be shot in the face, leading the committee’s ethics board to unanimously agree to suspend him
“due to the unethical action of promoting and stimulating violence
” on social media.
Souza is a staunch supporter of former president Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right leader and pro-gun activist. Lula beat Bolsonaro in the October elections and returned on January 1st to the post he held from 2003 to 2010. The suspension not only removes Souza from club activities, but also from national competitions for 90 days, taking him out of the knockout stages of the first division of Brazilian volleyball. He plays for Cruzeiro, one of the favorites to win the Brazilian Super League.
Souza’s suspension sends a strong message that online abuse, especially against public figures, will not be tolerated. As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, it’s important to remember that with great powers come great responsibilities. It’s easy to forget that our actions online have consequences in the real world, and we must be mindful of the impact our words and actions can have on others.
The suspension is a reminder that online abuse is not only harmful, but also has consequences in the real world, and we must take responsibility for our actions. It is also a reminder that freedom of expression does not mean freedom from consequences. While everyone has the right to express their opinions, it is important to do so in a respectful way, without inciting violence or harming others.
Souza’s suspension also highlights the role that athletes and public figures play in shaping public opinion. As role models, they have a responsibility to set a positive example for their fans and followers. Although they are entitled to their own opinions, they must be aware of the impact their words and actions can have on others.
The suspension also raises questions about the intersection between politics and sports. While athletes are entitled to their own political convictions, it’s important to remember that sport should be a unifying force that brings people together, regardless of political affiliation.