Ohio State has reached out to police after forward E.J. Liddell received threatening messages following the Buckeyes' stunning opening-round loss to Oral Roberts on Friday during the NCAA Tournament, sources told ESPN's Myron Medcalf.
Liddell shared screenshots of the messages on Twitter.
"What did I do to deserve this? I'm human," he asked.
One person wrote: "You are such a f------ disgrace. Don't ever show your face at Ohio State. We hate you. I hope you die I really do."
Liddell posted 23 points and 14 rebounds, but the No. 2-seeded Buckeyes fell 75-72 in overtime, leading to the first upset of this year's tournament.
Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann provided a statement condemning the vitriol.
"These comments, while not from or representative of Ohio State fans, are vile, dangerous, and reflect the worst of humanity," he said. "EJ is an outstanding young man who had a tremendous sophomore season and he was instrumental in our team's success. We will take the necessary actions here at the university to address this immediately."
The Buckeyes entered Friday's loss as 16-point favorites. Oral Roberts will now face Florida in the second round.
