Why does Jamie Pollard block fans on Twitter?

Re-read the headline.

If only I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked that question by an Iowa State fan…

Jamie Pollard, Iowa State’s very to-the-point athletics director joined 1460 KXnO’s “Murph & Andy Show” on Monday to discuss the dismissal of football’s offensive coordinator Mark Mangino. Before the interview came to a conclusion, host Keith Murphy asked Pollard what so many of you are dying to know. 

Why does Pollard block fans on Twitter?

His response went like this. (Listen to a replay of the entire interview by CLICKING HERE.) 

“I’m an optimistic person so if you want to spit on me, I don’t have to take it,” Pollard said. “If you’re going to be a jerk and you think you’re being a smart aleck or smart ass, I don’t have to listen to it. I had somebody write to me that I am a state employee and I have no right to block people. Oh really? Great. I mean, that’s the joy of Twitter. If you want to use social media to be obnoxious, then I can use social media to not have to listen to your obnoxious, immature comments. I don’t need that negativity in my life. If you want to come talk to me about it, I’ll gladly talk to you about it but you know, shooting off a little flippant comment, that’s great. I hope you feel real big about yourself. I don’t have to accept it. It’s a free world for you to send it. It’s a free world for me to accept it.”

To Pollard’s credit, the guy is meticulous about getting back to fans who email him questions and concerns about his department at Iowa State. Pollard preaches this method of accountability to his staff.

What’d we learn today?

If you want to correspond with Iowa State’s head honcho, don’t be a jerk. Or, just shoot the man a level-headed email.