TNT analyst and former NBA All-Star Charles Barkley often says things you take with a grain of salt and an eye-roll. On Saturday though, he had some very pointed and on-the-money comments in defense of Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell, after the Buckeye forward shared some online social media threats he received from upset fans.
After No. 2 OSU got bounced from the NCAA Tournament by No. 15 seeded Oral Roberts on Friday, some fans were understandably upset and frustrated by Ohio State’s performance. However, some took it entirely too far by sending some disturbing, irresponsible, and unforgivable vitriol Liddell’s way.
Barkley — not one to mince words — then was given the floor in front of the television camera on Saturday to address those that like to hide behind social media.
“This is the reason why — No. 1 he had a great game — but for you to give these kid death threats and hurl racial slurs at him because you’re safe in your own home like a coward behind a computer, and nobody knows who you are,” Barkley said. “You need to take a hard look at yourself in the mirror. I’m never gonna dignify these losers and interact with them ever. I don’t care how much money somebody offers me, I’m never going to do social media because of this.”
Barkley then went on to call those that hide behind social media with threats and mean comments are nothing but “freakin’ losers.” You can watch and listen to his entire comments below thanks to the Viral Sports Twitter account.
— Viral Sports (@NotScTop10plays) March 20, 2021
There aren’t many times I agree with what Barkley says, but am obviously and clearly behind his comments in this scenario, and behind the person that Liddell is. We just have to be better as a society.
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