Ohio State calls police after Liddell got threatening messages

Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell received threatening messages after the Buckeyes' loss to Oral Roberts. Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State calls police after E.J. Liddell got threatening messages following NCAA Tournament loss

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/20/21

Ohio State reached out to authorities after Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell received threatening messages following the team's first-round NCAA Tournament loss on Friday, according to ESPN's Myron Medcalf:

This young man is being threatened over an NCAA tournament game. This is a safety issue and should not be taken lightly by the NCAA, Ohio State or anyone else involved. https://t.co/SsCFD8NvR4
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) March 20, 2021

The Ohio State University police are now involved with the threats against E.J. Liddell, per a source.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) March 20, 2021

Liddell was the best player on the court for the Buckeyes on Friday. He notched 23 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in a 75-72 overtime loss to No. 15 Oral Roberts. However, he also missed a free throw in the final moments of regulation that would've given Ohio State a three-point lead and turned the ball over five times.

After the loss, Liddell received messages such as, "You are such a f---ing disgrace. Don't ever show your face at Ohio State. We hate you. I hope you die I really do." One fan also threatened to find Liddell and physically attack him.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith warned Buckeyes fans to stop threatening Liddell or else they'd be hearing from the authorities:

I will support our student-athletes in and out of competition!

I have nothing but love and respect for E.J. He epitomizes all that we hope for in our student-athletes. pic.twitter.com/BxejMWvo1x
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) March 20, 2021

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