Multiple Ohio State Buckeyes come out in support of E.J. Liddell

The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss to 15-seeded Oral Roberts in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Sophomore forward E.J. Liddell was the victim of several hateful direct messages following the loss.

“Honestly, what did I do to deserve this?” wrote E.J. Liddell on Twitter, along with screenshots of hateful and threatening Instagram direct messages, “I’m human.”

The messages are more than an extreme reaction to an NCAA Tournament loss, they are threats to the player involved. One Instagram user used a homosexual slur as well as a racial slur towards Liddell, while another said to never show his face at Ohio State. Both users wished death upon Liddell.

Obviously, this is a threat to the safety of Liddell, and Ohio State University Athletic Director recognizes it as such.

“Hate in 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,” Smith posted on Twitter.

Ohio State has reportedly contacted the police in regards to the social media threats directed at Liddell. “Comments don’t get to me,” said Liddell, ” but I just wanna know why.”

Several former and current Ohio State players, from both the basketball and football teams, showed support of Liddell.

“It’s sickening how we treat (people),” tweeted former OSU standout Jared Sullinger.

Ohio State football safety Josh Proctor also weighed in with his thoughts.

As did superstar wide receiver Chris Olave.

While the loss to Oral Roberts is disappointing, at the end of the day being a decent human being should outweigh the temptation to direct hate towards an athlete. Obviously, the majority of fans are not represented by the two individuals involved in this ordeal, but action needs, and will, take place to keep student-athletes safe.

We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.