Why the Signing Day ‘Angry Mom’ Video Caused Such an Uproar

It’s ‘Signing Day’ season. Hundreds of high school athletes will be committing to the school of their choice to further their educational endeavors and hopefully push to further their athletic aspirations too. Family and friends usually take part in the signing day event and usually sit or stand alongside the student to show their support. Things got a little heated earlier this week when a Florida teen went against his mother’s top pick on his signing day. The reaction from the teen’s mom sent social media into an uproar.

There are a few instances when you don’t want to go full-on crazy in the heat of the moment. One of those times is on national T.V. with the whole country watching. That’s exactly what Jacob Copeland’s mother did when her son chose the Florida Gators over the other contenders for his signing day. His mother, who was donning a University of Alabama hoodie and a University of Tennessee beanie (odd, but it shows what school was her least favorite). In a suspenseful moment, Jacob picked up the Gator’s hat and his mother, livid and angered, grabbed her bag and walked off from the table on national T.V. (the signing day was broadcasted on ESPN).

Almost immediately, social media aka the court of public opinion went in on the mother. Some people stated that she overreacted and should be proud of her son regardless of his pick, others decided to point out that as a Black mom, she shouldn’t have done what she did because so many Black children don’t get supported. The boiling point is that people even seem to criticize her parenting skills.

Despite the reaction of social media, the mother didn’t leave the gymnasium and gave her teary-eyed son a long hug during his acceptance speech. The son, an Escambia High wide receiver must be good at what he does to have his signing day broadcasted on T.V. Come to find out, he is a top recruit and a four-star player. What a way to steal his thunder…

Although the emotions were high, it’s clear to see that the mother loves her son, but it may be time for her to let go of the stroller on her baby boy. Her son Jacob seems to have let bygones be bygones and mentioned on his Twitter page that if you know his mother you’d know that that’s her job, “to put on a show.” He even called her reaction hilarious.

We’re glad the story had a happy ending for Jacob, but when should parents draw the line in their antics? Did she overreact? Should she have waited for a better time to express her emotions? Let us know in the comments below.