"Williams painted the index finger of his right hand teal and his ring finger purple - the colours of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. He adorned the middle finger with a suicide prevention ribbon. On his left hand, the index, middle and ring fingers sported the numbers 988. A sub-section of the national suicide crisis helpline, the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialised Service hotline, was shut down by the Trump administration in July under changes to the US federal budget."
"While Williams' show of support was celebrated by some, other Bears' fans directed homophobic abuse at him during the team's 27-24 defeat at Soldier Field, in Chicago. Several people aimed homophobic stereotypes and slurs at Williams on social media, with some even blaming him for the loss in the opening game of the season on Monday night (8 September). One user predicted that the Bears would "never win with a dude who paints his nails," while another said it would "explain [his] atrocious performance"."
Caleb Williams painted his fingernails teal, purple and with a suicide prevention ribbon while playing for the Chicago Bears to honor the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its LGBTQ+ Youth Specialised Service. The helpline’s Press 3 Option, created with The Trevor Project in 2022, was closed in July under changes to the US federal budget, prompting condemnation from mental-health advocates and calls from over 100 members of Congress. Williams received both praise and homophobic abuse from some fans after the gesture during a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, including slurs and comments blaming him for the defeat. Leaders at The Trevor Project described the closure as devastating and heartbreaking.
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