GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 27: Free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals smiles on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Tyrann Mathieu is taking a break from social media.

The Arizona Cardinals safety deactivated his Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page on Friday with his reps telling ESPN that he’s “taking a break for a while.” They also said he doesn’t have a timeline when he’s going to return.

Denise White, the CEO of EAG Sports Management, told ESPN the deactivations aren’t linked to his recent Twitter remarks regarding former New Orleans Saints safety Will Smith, who was shot dead by Cardell Hayes. Mathieu tweeted he personally knew Hayes and called him a “killer” and a “coward,” while saying rap music brainwashed people like Hayes into thinking killing and drugs were cool. He later said that he received death threats because of his comments.

Mathieu is no stranger to expressing himself on social media. The comments aren’t the only headlines Mathieu has drawn from his past social media posts, as he called out a fan in October, admitting almost instantly after he shouldn’t have responded. He also was one of the many athletes who called out D’Angelo Russell, calling the Lakers guard a “corndog” in late March.

Mathieu wanted to step away from his social media and it’s hard to blame him. There’s a lot of responsibility for professional athletes to say the right things and act the right way. Social media can be a fun tool to interact with others, but it can also be a nightmare. By stepping away, Mathieu doesn’t have to worry about that pressure.

[ESPN]

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com