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According to a blurb over at USA Today, Buffalo Bills wide receiver David Clowney tweeted his HIV test result earlier today. Clowney was pleased to share that he tested negative; “Got My HIV Results Back!! Thank God for keeping my body healthy and safe,” he said on his page.
At first glance, one might wonder why in the world he would do such a thing. But Clowney went on to explain on his Twitter page that, “everyone should get tested,” and that people shouldn’t, “wait till HIV/AIDS awareness day to find out if you have it or not!” This raises a very important issue. By publicly tweeting his HIV test result, Clowney has potentially reduced the stigma associated with the test. If more athletes and celebrities would do this, then perhaps people in general wouldn’t be so afraid to get tested.
Originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, Clowney was waived by Green Bay and picked up by the New York Jets where he played for four full seasons. His best year was 2009 when he had 14 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown. His 2011 season was split between the Jets and the Carolina Panthers.
