Ohio State forward EJ Liddell responded to a few angry fans who he believed sent threatening messages after the first round of the Buckeyes’ NCAA tournament on Friday, writing in part on his Twitter account: earn this? I’m human. “
Liddell and the No. 2 seeded Buckeyes fell in extra time 75-72 to No. 15 Oral Roberts in the first major upset in the tournament in two years.
He then shared screenshots of messages he said he had received from the two disgruntled fans, including one threatening to find and physically assault him.
Another fan wrote to Liddell, “You are such a damn shame. Never show your face in the state of Ohio. We hate you. Hope you die, really.”
“Comments don’t move me, but I just want to know why,” Liddell wrote on Twitter. ‘I have never done anything to anyone in my life to be approached like this.
“This isn’t that I’m saying anything negative about Ohio State fans. I love you very much and have felt nothing but appreciated since the first day I stepped on campus. ‘
Former Buckeyes star Jared Sullinger was among those who threw their support behind Liddell, writing that some people don’t think of you as a human as entertainment anymore.
“Continue to be the young man you are,” Sullinger wrote to Liddell. ‘Proud of you. Use these messages to fuel your fire. ‘
Liddell, a sophomore, had 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Buckeyes, who were second in the Big Ten tournament and entered Friday’s first round game as 16-point favorites.