Adelaide import Montrezl Harrell posts horrific racial social media abuse in wake of NBL brawl

Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit is aware of horrific racist abuse hurled at Adelaide star Montrezl Harrell as he waits to learn of a potential ban over last week’s brawl.

Online racial abuse levelled at Adelaide 36ers NBA star Montrezl Harrell has been reported to Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit.

Code Sports can reveal the 36ers have contacted league HQ about the vile racial message Harrell received to his personal Instagram account.

A fan, who Code Sports won’t give the credit of mentioning, called the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year a “n***a” and told him to: “Get out of my country”.

“We don’t want you here. Take your culture king bad attitude and shit game somewhere else.

“And f*** up another team and shit game somewhere else.”

Montrezl Harrell has been subjected to horrific personal abuse on social media in the wake of the brawl. Picture: Getty

Harrell replied to the message via a story on his personal Instagram account, saying: “You real tuff. Hope god helps you Imao. @Instagram let’s see what you do here?”

The social media attack at Harrell comes as the ex-NBA big man fronts the NBL Tribunal on Monday facing two charges of striking, engaging in a melee and inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator.

Harrell could cop a ban of up to 10 games, but Adelaide has appointed a lawyer with a speciality in sports law and racial issues to fight the charges.

The lawyer will also defend 36ers import guard Kendric Davis, who is alleging he was the victim of a racial slur from a fan.

The single member NBL tribunal hearing for Adelaide duo Harrell and Davis will begin at 2pm (AEDT).

36ERS STAR GETS CRUCIAL BACKING IN FIGHT AGAINST BRAWL CHARGE

The Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) has thrown its support behind Adelaide 36ers import guard Kendric Davis as he looks to prove he was racially abused by a fan when he fronts the NBL tribunal on Friday.

Code Sports can reveal the ABPA has reached out to the 36ers saying they will back Davis’ racism claims.

The American guard is facing a potential 10-game ban after being charged with inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator during the ugly melee.

According to Davis and multiple sources, though, the guard was baited after being told to “sit your black arse down” by a fan on the sideline.

Kendric Davis of the Adelaide 36ers during the round nine NBL match between Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

The 36ers import is understood to still be upset at an alleged racist comment directed his way from a fan that sparked the chaos.

It’s understood Adelaide officials will fight any charge if Davis is unsuccessful at the tribunal on Friday.

It comes as a United member with clear sight of the altercation between the 36ers players and the fans has spoken out on the condition of anonymity.

The long-serving United fan says Adelaide’s NBA star Montrezl Harrell – who has been issued with two charges of striking, engaging in a melee and inappropriate grabbing or handling of a spectator - showcased calmness despite fans hurling abuse at him as he walked back to the 36ers’ bench.

The former Los Angeles Clippers big man ignored the fans mouthing off and sat down on the bench to recollect his thoughts following the on-court alternation with Melbourne players.

Montrezl Harrell looks on during the clash with Melbourne United at John Cain Arena. Picture: Getty Images

According to the United supporter watching on, fans continued to hurl abuse at Harrell, who reached a point where he approached the fans to call out their comments.

“The fans were going hell for leather at Harrell,” the United supporter said.

The Melbourne fan also confirmed he saw United courtside seat holder Allen Ibrahim high-fiving fans as he was escorted out of the venue.

“I was thinking, that is sick. How can you be proud of what you’ve just done?,” the onlooking fan said.

Kendric Davis has averaged almost 30 points and more than six assists for the Adelaide 36ers this season. Picture: Getty Images

The United fan who spoke to Code Sports on the condition of anonymity also praised the club for setting a strong precedent when it comes to stamping out anti-social behaviour at games.

He said the club plays a video before every match, with United stars telling patrons at John Cain Arena that there is no place for racism in our club.

The United supporter believes the two fans who engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with 36ers players should be heavily punished by the NBL for inciting violence through their inappropriate comments and pushing.

He said they don’t reflect the United’s values as a club and shouldn’t be in such a privileged position with courtside seats.

The single member NBL tribunal will sit on Friday at 1pm AEDT and it’s understood Adelaide has engaged a lawyer following the charges.

Originally published as Adelaide import Montrezl Harrell posts horrific racial social media abuse in wake of NBL brawl