Others say

Consider tables turned

Baseball star turned big-mouth commentator Curt Schilling is no poster child for social media civility. But wouldn't it be great if his aggressive fight to protect his own child against internet trolls resulted in a reset of what cyber-sickos get away with online?

This disturbing episode began innocently with Schilling's measured Feb. 25 Twitter shout-out to his 17-year-old daughter: "Congrats to Gabby Schilling who will pitch for the Salve Regina (University) Seahawks next year!!"

By the weekend, the snarky feedback had turned horrifically lewd and nasty.

Some people in Schilling's shoes might just have accepted the despicable reaction as the price you pay for fame--or that we all pay for engaging in social media. Instead, Schilling called balderdash (substitute actual clubhouse language there) on that point of view. The former Red Sox pitcher is a heat-throwing dad on a mission.

He saved every comment and began tracking down and contacting each bully. He's reporting what he finds to coaches, university brass and employers. Two New Jersey college students appear to be among the worst offenders. One was suspended from school and faces a disciplinary hearing; the second lost his job as a part-time ticket-seller for the Yankees.

Schilling says at least seven more culprits face punishment. Now the FBI and local law enforcement are talking to him about filing criminal charges against some offenders.

The graphic attack on Gabby Schilling is the cyberworld at its worst. To whatever extent her dad's past online behavior contributed to the escalating toxic atmosphere, chances are that he has learned something, too.

That doesn't lessen the righteousness of how Schilling has handled his daughter's tormentors. As for the rest of us, considering our actions before we execute them is ultimately what will make the internet a better place to work and play.

Editorial on 03/10/2015

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