Brisbane Bullets big man Harry Froling will continue to stand up to online “cowards”

Brisbane Bullets big man Harry Froling has hit back at abuse from an online troll, as inappropriate attacks on social media at NBL players continue to rise.

Brisbane Bullets big man Harry Froling says he’ll continue to call out online abuse from “cowards” after he exchanged words with an aggrieved fan.

The majority of players ignore or block trolls, but Froling refused to cop the unwarranted attacks from an unidentified account on Monday.

He also dared the faceless troll to attend a game in person and repeat the abuse.

“I’ll call the ones out who are cowards,” Froling told News Corp on Tuesday.

Froling’s strong response was prompted after he posted a picture of his 210cm frame struggling for leg room during Brisbane’s plane trip to Melbourne to take on the Phoenix.

He accompanied the picture with the words: “Guess 6 exit rows per flight isn’t a thing”.

Brisbane Bullets big man Harry Froling will continue to stand up to online “cowards” after copping this online abuse.

A troll noticed the post and responded with: “Blocking the isle is the best defence you’ve played all year.”

Froling didn’t take kindly to the comical criticism, urging the troll to repeat the abuse to him in person: “Rich coming from a guy on a burner account. Come tell me next home game if you aren’t a cat bet ya won’t.”

The troll refused to go away, continuing the abuse towards Froling and highlighting Brisbane’s struggles this season.

“Not worth the price of admission mate,” the troll said.

“Already wasted my hard earned on multiple 30+ point losses this season. Any more and my kids will probably stop playing all together.”

The pair went back and forth exchanging tweets before Froling called out the troll for being a gambler.

The Bullets big man wants to send a strong message that online abuse won’t be tolerated.

“And looks like you gamble a lot maybe get some help with that if you’re worried about hard earned money being wasted your whole profile is failed multis,” Froling tweeted.

The troll went in for one last crack at Froling, saying: “I gamble for fun mate. Plenty of wins there my guy. I earn plenty more than NBL players, I just don’t want to waste my money on a team that doesn’t show effort. The whole fan base has been saying the same thing.”

Special investigation: @NBL players reveal scourge of online abuse on the rise, with @MickRandallHS. 🏀https://t.co/KjpxVb94fT

— Matt Logue (@mattlogue7) November 5, 2022

Online vitriol towards NBL players has risen in recent seasons, especially from gamblers who lose money on bets.

This increase was highlighted in News Corp’s special investigation in November last year, which uncovered that players are copping abuse and death threats after most games.

The online attacks have been so intense and frequent it has prompted some players to seek professional help.

The NBL and the Players’ Association remain unified against online trolls and in support for the players.

Sydney Kings owner and chairman Paul Smith has been so repulsed by the vile abuse, he has vowed the Kings will never sign a gambling company as a sponsor of the club.

Instead, the Kings are supported by GambleAware, a state government program to show how gambling can ruin your life.

Smith understands why some players ignore online trolls, but says the Kings have given its players a licence to stand up to the abuse.

“Our players are our players, but we don’t control their commentary and they are entitled to say what they say,” Smith said.

“If they put themselves out on an island, they are on an island, but it’s not up to us (the club) to get them off it.

“So, we don’t look to overtly manage or advise players on what they do online, but if they came to us with a concern, we’d look into it and do our best.

“The harsh reality is this a platform for these idiots, and they use it.

“Some of the (accounts) have zero followers and you are only giving them light when they belong in the shade, but our view is pretty clear.”

Brisbane Bullets big man Harry Froling will continue to stand up to online “cowards”. Picture: Getty Images

Froling’s Brisbane side has struggled all season, but they produced to beat the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Monday.

The defeat has dropped the Phoenix outside the top six to seventh position ahead of Wednesday’s must-win clash against the JackJumpers in Tasmania.

Froling declared the Bullets are happy to play villain and impact other teams’ playoff chances.

“We’re coming to ruin guy’s seasons, we’re coming to ruin other team’s seasons – that is what it is,” he said.

“We don’t want to just be a push over and lose by 30.”