Michigan athletic department ‘catfishes’ players to teach dangers of social media

Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke prior to the 2013 Outback Bowl against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Brandon said the athletic department catfished several athletes to teach them the dangers of social networking. Very interesting.

— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) February 1, 2013

We’re just going to go ahead and assume such Michigan legends as Mark Donahue, John Maulbetsch and Greg Skrepenak did not have to deal with any nonsense regarding Twitter, Facebook and definitely not fake dead girlfriends.

Superstar Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o was embarrassed beyond the pale when it was discovered that his longtime internet girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, was the product of the imagination of Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, a high school acquaintance of Te’o's.

[Related >> Check out Volume I and II of the latest and greatest Manti Te'o memes]

Thus, in an effort to keep their student-athletes from dealing with the same heartbreak, embarrassment and just plain old loss of trust, the Michigan athletic department has reportedly been ‘catfishing’ players in an effort to help these young men understand some of the potential pratfalls of social media.

What do you think, Gamedayrs? Is this a good way to teach a lesson or just straight up creepy?

What do you think Gamedayrs?