Online Abuse Towards Athletes Has To Stop

Via www.heraldsun.com.au - Matt Logue and Michael Randall

Just stop it.

The personal abuse directed at NBL players online is beyond disgusting.

Morons feel they can slide into players’ DMs and spit absolute hatred at them after games.

Take one muppet targeted South East Melbourne import Gary Browne on Friday night.

Browne, who has only just made his Phoenix debut after dealing with a knee injury, received these shocking messages:

“Tear your ACL and never play again you weak piece of s---. Complete dog s---, hope you die.”

Horrid.

(Disgusting vitriol directed at Gary Browne on social media.)

Browne posted it to his Instagram story, accompanied by the words “Praying for a downfall don’t make you religious #StayWithOrGetLost” before later deleting it.

Sydney Kings guard Dejan Vasiljevic received death threats after hitting the winning bucket against Tasmania in game two of last year’s NBL grand final.

Crosscourt understands players regularly receive online vitriol from mug punters who have lost money on statistical props bets.

It has to stop.