Caitlin Bassett column: The weirdest messages that slide into my DMs

In her latest column, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic star and Australian netball international Caitlin Bassett reveals the 'most interesting' things she gets messaged from fans. Photo / Getty

In the latest of her regular columns, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic star and Australian netball international Caitlin Bassett reveals the 'most interesting' things she gets messaged from fans.

Social media has become the quickest and easiest way for athletes to build an online profile by allowing them to connect and interact with fans globally.

Followers can like and comment on posts or go a step further and send direct messages.

'Sliding into DMs' is what the cool kids refer to sending someone, who you may not personally know, a direct message.

For netballers most of these messages come from young girls asking for training tips or begging for a video for their best friends birthday.

Arm chair critics also like to slide into DMs to give their personal opinion on how you could improve your game.

Unsurprisingly the most 'interesting' messages come from men and I thought I would share some of the most direct messages that have come my way.

I might be old fashioned but I think there are a few things that are rude to ask a person.

Weight is the obvious one, followed by asking how much someone earns but thanks to some fans I have a new one to add to the list – shoe size.

I get a handful of requests every week asking how big my feet are, and even creepier, requesting photos.

Seems like people with foot fetishes have no shame. The funny thing is that netball is very tough on the feet meaning we often have blisters, callouses and broken toe nails.

Maybe I should post a photo of my less than attractive feet to scare them off, or start a new business venture called OnlyFeet.

I know it takes a lot of courage to ask someone out on a date, but it seems like social media makes it easier for people to confess their love.

Marriage proposals are not uncommon with some men even offering to throw in extras to sweeten the deal – like payment for having a child with them. I swear I am not making this up.

Caitlin Bassett of the Magic looks on during the round 13 ANZ Premiership match between the Pulse and the Magic at TSB Bank Arena on July 11, 2021. Photo / Getty Images.

One of the best messages was sent to a teammate of mine explaining how if they got married he would be the wife and she would be the husband due to the fact that she was taller than him. Pure gold.

I must admit it's quite flattering to be popped the big question but personally it's a little too forward as a conversation opener. Perhaps stick to the more conventional methods for greater chances of success.

Hands down the most bizarre DM request came from a guy who wanted to pay to be kicked in the testicles. Yes you read that correctly, he called it being 'ball busted' and was offering to pay $1500 for the pleasure.

The message explained he was just a normal guy who lived in Australia who had an offer that was 'a bit out there'.

Describing it as a hobby he promised full confidentiality and even offered to pay double if I had a friend I wanted to do it with.

He acknowledged that this was a strange request and offered to provide more information and pictures of previous meetings so I could get a better idea. To be honest the message was so well written I almost considered throwing out a wild offer to see how serious he was. With a larger than average foot I am certain I would inflict some serious damage and decided against it. I often still wonder if he found someone to bust his balls.

It's all good to have a laugh at some of the strange messages that get sent on social media but the more inappropriate or persistent they get the more the receiver is going to withdraw from interacting with fans online.

A good rule before you hit send is to consider how you would feel if your mum or sister was sent that message, some things are better left unsaid.