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Those of us spending time on Twitter during Minnesota’s game on Saturday noticed a disturbing outbreak in the Gophers Twitters. A virulent strain of glee started to overtake Minnesota fans and it wasn’t very pretty. Its sudden spread worried our staff of sports rage virologists so we began working on a cause immediately.
The behavior we observed was quickly diagnosed as Mitch Leidner Derangement Syndrome (MLDS). Initial symptoms of MLDS may include satisfaction that Mitch is injured or relief that FINALLY the backup QB of your choice will show everyone why Mitch shouldn’t be playing. Symptoms become more acute when the backup QB plays for the first time and can include the following:
Blaming Mitch for things select national media members said:
IDK WHO RHODA IS BUT HE SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED A 1ST RD DRAFT PICK BECAUSE HES BETTER THAN LEIDNER. #GoGophers
— Uncle Jimmy (@jimmihue) October 15, 2016
Welp, there may be a Gopher drafted in the first round this year after all...but his last name ain't Leidner https://t.co/Pe9V9U5t9F
— Brian VanderLugt (@MNDutchman) October 15, 2016
How is Goldy doing so well without 1st round draft pick Mitch Leidner?! #wankingmotion
— Adam (@RBTheAlum) October 15, 2016
Using impossible to prove hypotheticals:
So ah....why hasn't Rhoda been starting all season? We'd be 5-0
— Logan |-/ (@L_Vlasaty) October 15, 2016
Saying things that are easily refuted by the most basic stats:
Rhoda already showing he has a better, stronger and more accurate arm. Let's see some shots down field now to keep defense honest
— Derek White (@DWhiteDelight) October 15, 2016
Blind hatred:
Conor Rhoda made one completion and I already can tell he's better than Mitch leidner
— I GOT KAT I'M GOOD (@BM_Ahmed) October 15, 2016
Anything resembling this statement:
Somebody should slap my face for even saying this. The Gophs uniforms with Rhoda wearing #15 reminds me of all time great QB Sandy Stephens.
— Peter Peine (@PMPeine) October 15, 2016
Or these:
@sean_stikes Is it weird that I'm wondering what the coaches saw in Leidner to put him ahead of Rhoda?
— Mike Higgs (@rmhiggs2) October 15, 2016
If Mitch Leidner starts next week Mark Coyle needs to FIRE Tracey Claeys right on the sidelines. Period #Gophers
— Minnesota Slob (@MapleJordan43) October 15, 2016
Awkward capitalization to emphasize your disgust:
@ChrisLongKSTP the defense has been good for 3 years too bad we wasted that Talent with Mitch leidner
— I GOT KAT I'M GOOD (@BM_Ahmed) October 15, 2016
Rhyming your insults:
@BenjaminJDawson Yeah, but if Mitch Leidner is playing, then we have Slash, Bash, and Trash.
— Janis over Jordy! (@EBrooksUncut) October 15, 2016
Completely false hyperbole:
Mitch Leidner is the worst QB in the history of the Gophers. @Leidner_Island #facts
— Alex Anderson (@doublea08) October 15, 2016
Using a “this one time” argument:
@ajm6792 a pass Leidner couldn't make
— paul (@pwschatz) October 15, 2016
Seriously. Have seen him throw that into the ground
Possibly wishing for a guy on the team you cheer for to remain injured:
I'm guessing Leidner has more concussion symptoms. Rhoda is much better passer
— paul (@pwschatz) October 15, 2016
Turning Mitch-less tea struggles back to Mitch:
Rhoda with a Leidner-esque throw there
— Janis over Jordy! (@EBrooksUncut) October 15, 2016
Feeling positive things because a guy on the team you cheer for is hurt:
It's been such a relief to not have to watch Mitch Leidner on the field today #Gophers
— Tyler Peterson (@TPeterson_11) October 15, 2016
Blaming Mitch for the way the OC calls games:
@baskincase No Leidner means we actually have to give the ball to our two superstar RBs.
— Janis over Jordy! (@EBrooksUncut) October 15, 2016
TL;DR Diagnosis
When your vitriolic statements about Mitch Leidner read like something Jim Souhan wrote, you probably have MLDS.
Rhoda much better arm than Leidner. Will be interesting to see if he can get comfortable looking downfield.
— Jim Souhan (@SouhanStrib) October 15, 2016