Cosby's arrest, sweater choice dissected on Twitter

The symbolism was unavoidable.

The signature top of a moral and family-oriented television character came to represent the real-life actor's downfall.

On the day legendary comedian Bill Cosby - once celebrated as "America's dad" for his role in "The Cosby Show" - was arrested on charges of allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a former Temple University employee, those who remembered those vivid, if tacky, sweaters took to social media to reflect on the irony of the reversal.

Some tweeters found the sweater appealing, regardless of the man who wore it.

While others took exception, considering more than 50 women have come forward claiming Cosby drugged and then sexually abused them.

And still others saw through what they believed to be a calculated trick designed to win sympathy from former fans of the syndicated show.

The most heated discussion surrounded both the man and his character, and their combined influence as role models for many black men and women, many of whom took to Twitter to offer words of support for the man they grew up idolizing.

(For the record, Cosby was arraigned, but has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, let alone gone to jail.)

Others challenged the vote of sympathy.

And for some, the man's messages toward the black community were no longer heeded, but mocked.