Man arrested over alleged racially abusive messages to basketballer

A man who allegedly sent racially abusive messages to a National Basketball League player on social media has been arrested and charged after Basketball Australia’s integrity unit referred the matter to police.

The messages were allegedly sent following a game at John Cain Arena on November 17 last year, and the 37-year-old Huntingdale man was arrested and charged on July 2, Victoria Police said in a statement.

Violence marred the game between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers.Credit: Getty Images

Violence marred the game after a heated exchange between Adelaide 36ers power forward Montrezl Harrell and Melbourne United guard Shea Ili spilled off-court and into an ugly brawl with fans.

The 36ers later alleged racial abuse had been directed at a player, and separately, contacted the NBL about abuse sent to Harrell’s Instagram account, CODE Sports reported at the time.

Harrell, Ili, and four fans were ejected from the stadium, and the NBL charged Harrell and 36ers guard Kendric Davis, which led to three- and two-match suspensions respectively, and banned one fan for life.

Police noted on Friday the man charged was not connected to any fans who had been ejected during the game.

Montrezl Harrell is a Los Angeles import.Credit: Getty Images

Harrell has previously taken to social media to call out racism, and unapologetically stood by his behaviour in posts on X and Instagram following the November altercation.

The Adelaide 36ers confirmed the July charge related to one of its players, and said the player was aware of the arrest and comfortable with the way the matter had been handled, but declined to comment further as the matter was before the courts.

Basketball Australia said its integrity unit identified the alleged culprit after being notified of the messages, and reported the matter to police.

The organisation said in a statement it was the “first-ever successful arrest” relating to the racial abuse of an athlete via social media in Australian basketball.

The man allegedly sent racist messages to the NBL player after a game.Credit: Matthew Absalom-Wong

Police said the messages had been sent from an anonymous account, and officers also identified the alleged sender.

A spokesperson for Basketball Australia’s integrity unit said the arrest was significant in proving the seriousness of such alleged abuse, and every athlete deserved to compete in a safe environment.

“The individuals targeted by hateful messages are human, and Basketball Australia commends the courage it takes to call out this behaviour,” the spokesperson said.

“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.”

The man, who has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, has been bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on August 15.

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