Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell receives threatening messages following NCAA Tournament loss
By JACOB POLACHECK
Shortly after No. 2 seed Ohio State’s upset loss to No. 15 seed Oral Roberts Friday, OSU sophomore E.J. Liddell shared threatening messages he received following the team’s first-round exit.
Liddell finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead Ohio State in the loss.
“Comments don’t get to me but I just wanna know why,” Liddell wrote on Twitter. “I’ve never done anything to anyone in my life to be approached like this.
“This is not me saying anything negative about Ohio State fans. I love you all dearly and I’ve felt nothing but appreciated since the first day I stepped on campus.”
Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann issued a statement Saturday morning supporting Liddell.
“These comments, while not from or representative of Ohio State fans, are vile, dangerous and reflect the worst of humanity,” Holtmann said. “EJ is an outstanding young man who had a tremendous sophomore season and he was instrumental in our team’s success. We will take the necessary actions here at the University to address this immediately.”
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith also released a statement Saturday in support of Liddell.
I will support our student-athletes in and out of competition!
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 vast majority of Buckeye fans recognize that no one is more disappointed in our unexpected early departure from the NCAA tournament than our coaches and players,” Smith said. “They put in all the work and sacrificed considerable freedoms, especially during the COVID pandemic. To all of you who have reached out with compassion, I thank you.
Smith also promised police involvement.
“The threatening social media attack E.J. Liddell faced after the game yesterday is appalling and will not be tolerated. 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 player, you will be hearing from the authorities. That I promise you.
“I have nothing but love and respect for E.J. He epitomizes all that we hope for in our student-athletes.”
Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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