Alan Page, NFL legend and retired Minnesota Supreme Court justice, not 'notable' for Twitter verification
Former Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page is now a judge in the Minnesota Supreme Court. (Mark Brettingen / Getty Images)
(FOX 9) - Social media website Twitter is facing backlash from Vikings fans after its verification department denied Alan Page, the former Vikings defensive lineman who later went on to become a Minnesota Supreme Court justice, a blue checkmark.
Page had apparently applied for Twitter verification – which allows his follows to know he's the real Alan Page – but got rejected by the platform. The reason? Somehow, Twitter said he failed to meet the company's notability standards.
"Not notable! Hmmm," read a tweet from Page that included a screenshot of the rejection letter.
The Vikings also soon chimed in by listing Page's impressive resume, pointing out he is an NFL Most Valuable Player award winner, a Hall of Famer, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom all on top of being a member of the state's highest court, joking that those accolades are apparently easier to earn than a Twitter checkmark.
"Twitter must not be fans of the judicial system or the @ProFootballHOF," added former Vikings lineman Steve Hutchinson.
Earlier this year, Twitter opened up its verification process with new clear guidelines allowing for verification through a number of channels. But by FOX 9's count, Page should qualify under at least two and possibly three separate categories: Government, Sports, and generally influential individuals.
Twitter has not responded to the criticism or, so far, has not reversed its decision as Page remains without a checkmark as of Thursday evening.