Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell received threatening and vulgar social media messages from at least two different accounts following the Buckeyes' upset loss to No. 15 seed Oral Roberts in yesterday's opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Liddell tweeted images of multiple messages he received early this morning. (Unedited version)
This is not me saying anything negative about Ohio State fans. I love you all dearly and Ive felt nothing but appreciated since the first day I stepped on campus.
— E.J. Liddell (@EasyE2432) March 20, 2021
Gene Smith released a statement via Twitter this morning condemning the communication and promising police involvement.
I will support our student-athletes in and out of competition!
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) March 20, 2021
I have nothing but love and respect for E.J. He epitomizes all that we hope for in our student-athletes. pic.twitter.com/BxejMWvo1x
“The threatening social media attack E.J. Liddell faced after the game yesterday is appalling and will not be tolerated,” Smith wrote. “To the few of you who have chosen to inappropriately rail against our players on social media, stop. Hate and derision have no place in Buckeye Nation or in civil society. If you cross the line and threaten our players, you will be hearing from the authorities. That I promise you.”
OSU's Gene Smith says the athletic department assisted EJ Liddell in filing a complaint via University police. The police will determine how to move forward or who else gets involved.
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) March 20, 2021
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann also offered support for Liddell.
— Chris Holtmann (@ChrisHoltmann) March 20, 2021
Many other Ohio State coaches and current and former players also tweeted their support for Liddell.
Coach Holt’s comments are spot-on. There is no place for these type of crazy threats toward anyone — ever.....especially our players. https://t.co/jObLdqaAi1
— Ryan Pedon (@ryanpedon) March 20, 2021
— Terry Johnson (@CoachTLJohnson) March 20, 2021
Absolutely. Such comments should not and will not be tolerated under any circumstance. EJ, our players, and athletes across the country deserve better. https://t.co/joloYoKWZa
— Jake Diebler (@JakeDiebler) March 21, 2021
Young Man keep moving and try not to worry about this nonsense. You had a great year and no one can take that away from you. Continued success moving forward. #32
— Dennis Hopson (@DennisHopson) March 20, 2021
Keep your head bro... Some ppl dont see you as a human more like entertainment.. keep being the young man that you are bro. Proud of you. Use these messages to fuel your fire...
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) March 20, 2021
WE ARE MORE THAN JUST ATHLETES pic.twitter.com/hubZxhEqdR
— Haskell Garrett (@HASKELL_808) March 20, 2021
The way people use social media to tear athletes down is crazy. We give our all to the game we love. We’re all human. We’re not perfect. https://t.co/WJCrjIFCzP
— Chris Olave (@chrisolave_) March 20, 2021
@EasyE2432 pic.twitter.com/ihkvLvbQoW
— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) March 20, 2021
Hey @EasyE2432 and @OhioStateHoops we are PROUD to stand with you. @OSU_AD #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/liQWBmn1QN
— Ohio State WSOC (@OhioStateWSOC) March 20, 2021
