NBL: Former NBA big Montrezl Harrell, 36ers recruit, targeted in racist social media attack
Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and boom Adelaide 36ers recruit Montrezl Harrell has been targeted with a disgusting racist tirade on social media.
Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and boom Adelaide 36ers recruit Montrezl Harrell has been targeted with a disgusting racist tirade on social media.
Harrell, who has taken the NBL by storm with his larger than life personality and equally attention grabbing play posted Instagram messages from a troll account that used several racist words, including ‘slave’ and the n-word, after Adelaide broke its NBL25 duck with a 93-83 win over South East Melbourne.
‘I hope ur career finish due to getting shot,” read part of the message.
Code Sports has opted to partially redact the message due to its sickening content.
The 36ers and NBL issued a joint statement condemning the racist attack.
“The Adelaide 36ers and the NBL strongly condemn racist comments on social media directed at a 36ers’ player after Thursday night’s game,” the statement read.
“There is no place for racism and we will continue to call it out.
“In moments like this, the 36ers and NBL stand together to educate people about the harmful impacts of racism and online abuse.”
— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) October 4, 2024
The incident has been referred to Basketball Australia’s integrity unit who will investigate.
BA has been contacted for comment.
Code Sports understands club officials noticed the post and immediately contacted the NBL, who made the decision to refer the matter to BA.
Most of this went down with Harrell and the rest of the 36ers’ squad in the air, after they jetted out of Adelaide, bound for Illawarra for Saturday night’s clash with the Hawks.
Adelaide general manager of basketball Matt Weston said he’d spoken with both Harrell and his agent about the incident.
“Montrezl said he’s fine and really appreciates our support,” Weston said.
“I will continue to check in on him as it was disgusting what was posted.”
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