UPDATED 10.11.2011 by Julie Montanaro

Crude criticism from fans has prompted several FSU football players to close their Twitter accounts.

Should students who send them be subject to discipline by the university? And where is the line between harrassment, threats and free speech?

The tweet to FSU cornerback Greg Reid was the last straw for some players who opted to close their twitter accounts . It took aim at Reid's father and chided the star player to "kill yourself."

"We'll figure out who the student is. At a minimum we'll have a conversation and we'll evaluate by our conduct code standards as we always do," said Dr. Mary Coburn, FSU's Vice President of Student Affairs.

FSU's student conduct code doesn't specifically address Twitter, Dr. Coburn said. She says she did have an "educational conversation" with the student who sent offensive tweets to an Oklahoma player earlier this year, but the university did not discipline him.

Coburn says these tweets are evaluated one by one and most fall under the protections of free speech, she said.

We showed the latest tweet to a first ammendment lawyer Robert Rivas.

"I can't imagine a university would discipline a twit for sending a tweet," Rivas said. "I wouldn't say anything about whether they're acceptable, that's a moral judgement you can make and I can make. I probably would condemn those people but as far as whether the law can do anything to them, I don't think so," Rivas said.

"I think that the university has a right to look into it, but not take any disciplinary action," said FSU student Kacki Schwartz. "I think for the most part it should be a private thing, unless it involves threats of violence, death threats, hate or spam mail."

"I draw the line if it's life threatening attempts or something that's like serious with violence. As long as it's just words, it's okay," FSU student Kenneth Hunter said.

Deanna Mims calls Twitter "an intercom to the world." Mims provides social media marketing for businesses and organizations. She would advise individuals - fans and players - to follow the same advice she gives professionals.

"It's absolutely unacceptable to put anything on there that you wouldn't want to show your mama," Mims said. .

Mims offers these words of warning to everyone who uses Twitter:

- consider it viral. if you send a Tweet to one person, consider it sent to everyone

- don't Tweet anything you would not say to someone's face

- for those in the public eye, don't hesitate to isolate yourself from Twitter - especially immediately before a big game or event - so you can remain focused and positive.

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Tallahassee, FL -- October 10, 2011 --

Before the season, all the talk in Tallahassee was FSU's top five ranking and its return to national prominence. That talk isn't even a whisper after the Noles' third straight loss.

A 2-0 start has turned into a 2-3 record after Saturday's 35-30 upset at Wake Forest.

Most people thought it was a sure fire win.

Stephanie Howard has been rooting for the Noles since day 1.

"The first two games I felt really confident because we blew them out of the water but then once we hit with Oklahoma and Clemson, I got depressed," said Howard.

"Well it's obviously not fantastic," said FSU student, Andrew Butler. "I don't know very much but I know people aren't happy about it."

FSU was riding high during preseason with a top 10 ranking.

But three straight loses have left Jimbo Fisher's gang with a losing record of 2 and 3 and Coach Fisher himself with a 12-7 overall record.

FSU student, Tony Manning has thrown in the towel.

"It's a depressing time to be a Seminole football fan," said Manning." "I'm giving up. I grew up a Hurricanes fan, gave up on them. Gave up on the Dolphins, now I'm giving in up on the Noles this season. Maybe next season."

Others are still looking for that garnet and golden lining in an otherwise very cloudy sky.

FSU Senior Derrick Brown said this is the year he's been waiting for and won't call it quits just yet.

"I'm optimistic even though it's been a slow start," said Brown. "I just think we need to get over a couple of humps. I mean, they're interchanging their quarterbacks and once they get that situation worked out then it'll be great."

FSU has another chance to right the ship this weekend when they hit the road against Duke. By the way, FSU has never lost to Duke in football.

While they're trying to correct their course, some FSU players have closed their Twitter and Facebook accounts in the wake of that upset at Wake Forest.

Players like Greg Reid, Jacobbi McDaniel, and Lonnie Pryor say they are sending their final tweets Monday after some Nole fans sent derogatory messages to members of the team.

One tweet was sent to FSU's cornerback Greg Reid after the Noles' loss to Wake Forest on Saturday. It is from a user who appears to be a Florida State student.

It said "today you reminded me of your dad, getting raped over and over in prison. Kill yourself piece of [expletive]".

Reid simply replied "watch your mouth brah."

FSU's student code of conduct doesn't explicitly have a twitter policy.

However some rules can be applied to social media. As of right now, there hasn't been any disciplinary action taken.

The school says it tries to balance freedom of speech with protecting its students.

FSU's coach Jimbo Fisher said he has not forced any of his players to close their networking profiles. Players say it was a joint decision.