Australian basketball first as man arrested, charged over alleged online racist abuse of Adelaide 36ers’ Montrezl Harrell
In a first for Australian basketball in the fight against online abuse, an Australian man who allegedly sent a racist message to a former NBA player on social media has been charged.
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The Australian charged over alleged online racist abuse of Adelaide 36ers NBL star Montrezl Harrell has been identified as Victorian man Miguel Dacruz.
The 37-year-old, of the southeast Melbourne suburb of Huntingdale, was arrested on Wednesday, July 2, after police investigators, acting on a report from Basketball Australia’s integrity unit, tracked him down.
In a first for the sport as it attempts to stamp out racism and online abuse, police will allege Dacruz, in November, sent a racist direct message to Harrell, who is of African-American heritage.
He was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass and/or offend and bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on August 15.
Neither Victoria Police nor Basketball Australia would confirm the player’s identity, but Code Sports has established the victim is Harrell, an eight-year veteran of over 500 NBA games who joined Adelaide last season.
Dacruz allegedly targeted Harrell following the infamous November 17 ‘Affray at JCA’ against Melbourne United, where an on-court melee between the two teams sparked a heated confrontation with two fans seated near the 36ers’ bench.
Those fans were ejected from John Cain Arena and later hit with attendance bans, while Harrell was fined and suspended for three games over his involvement in the incident.
Police said Dacruz was not connected to any fans who were ejected during that game.
The former Los Angeles Clipper who recently agreed to a new contract with Adelaide, has, on more than one occasion, reposted and called out online abuse on his Instagram profile and has been known to respond to detractors on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In one such instance in November, Harrell reposted a message from an Instagram profile bearing the name Miguel Dacruz.
That profile is private. A Facebook account, bearing the same name and profile picture as that Instagram profile, features photographs of a man, Geelong Cats AFL logos and a grainy image of what appears to be an NBA game.
Sources told Code Sports Harrell, 31, is aware of the arrest and is said to be content with the way police and Basketball Australia’s integrity unit approached the incident.
While it is understood to be the first time in Australian basketball a person has been charged over alleged social media attacks, in 2021, two men pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence over online racist abuse directed at Indigenous South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell.
One was fined $750, the other $400 and issued an apology to the NSW Origin star.
NBL executive Lauren Blecher commended police and the BA integrity unit on the joint action.
“The NBL stands united with Basketball Australia in taking a firm stance against any form of online abuse or vilification,” Blecher said.
“The action by Victoria Police sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We are incredibly proud of the collaborative efforts that led to this outcome.”
A Basketball Australia spokesperson labelled the arrest a ‘landmark moment’ in the fight to safeguard and protect athletes in the sport.
“Every athlete deserves to compete in a safe environment, free from abuse,” the spokesperson said.
“There are laws in place to govern appropriate behaviour towards athletes, and it’s important the public understands that.
“The individuals targeted by hateful messages are human, and Basketball Australia commends the courage it takes to call out this behaviour. Taking a stand sends a clear message of zero tolerance and helps drive the cultural change needed to create a safe sport and respectful environment for everyone.”
In a statement, Adelaide vowed to “continue to call out racism and remains committed to ensuring it provides and is part of an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for players, staff and fans.”
Victoria Police only investigates matters such as these when an incident is formally reported.
In the absence of a police report, disciplinary actions are most often undertaken by the leagues and clubs involved.
*To report intimidating, harassing or racially abusive behaviour online, contact your local police station or, in an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000).
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Originally published as Australian basketball first as man arrested, charged over alleged online racist abuse of Adelaide 36ers’ Montrezl Harrell
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