After being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the return of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has already brought about plenty of its patented March Madness just two days in.
The most shocking result thus far has been No. 2 Ohio State falling to No. 15 Oral Roberts in overtime. It was the biggest upset since University of Maryland, Baltimore County defeated top-seed Virginia as a 20.5-point underdog in 2018.
While many reveled in the men’s tournament again proving just how unpredictable games can be, Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell received threatening messages after the loss. He shared screenshots of some and asked what he did to deserve such vile treatment.
Ohio State reportedly made contact with police regarding the matter. Liddell has garnered support from Buckeyes alumni and several others, including the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner.
He referenced the screenshots Liddell shared in his own message on Twitter and called for an end to using social media as a means to spread hate:
“This isn’t ok. And for everyone saying just to not pay attention to it?? Really?? Read ita gain. When are we going to stop using this platform as a place to spew hate? It’s ok to want to win and be disappointed that your team didn’t. Or be disappointed when someone misses a shot, makes an error, drops a pass, whatever. But, to use social media to harass and threaten someone? Do you think we as athletes, in those moments don’t already feel awful for our teammates, coaches, families, fans? Do you think we bust our ass all year long to get to this moment and not care or try to have success.
“Fans are everything in sports, you guys help motivate us and create an adrenaline to dig deeper than we even know we can dig. We try to return the favor by providing you with big moments to cheer for and memories to pass down for generations. Failure is part of any game. Understand it’s going to happen, but I can promise you, no athlete, at any level, is trying to fail.
“We don’t want to suck. But sometimes we do. Yes E.J., you are human. So are all of us. Sorry you have to experience this. Don’t block it out tho, save it. Make it a strength, use it to fuel you to become the best version of yourself. And to the people that love to spew this [expletive] below, just be better.”
Liddell had 23 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in Ohio State’s loss. He was one of the top young players in the Big Ten Conference during the regular season.
Turner thanked Dodgers fans
Whether on Instagram or Twitter, Turner is an active user of social media to share news of his foundation’s work, raise awareness for various causes and also interact with fans.
When Turner re-signed with the Dodgers prior to the start of Spring Training, he voiced an appreciation for the comments and support fans shared throughout free agency.
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