"Free from abuse": Arrests and charges over NBL racism

A man has been arrested and charged for allegedly racially abusing NBL star Montrezl Harrell through an Instagram burner account.

SEN's Tom Morris is reporting that police have charged the man for using a carriage service to menace, harass and/or offend.

"I want to bring you a story this morning relating to former Clippers and Lakers player and now Adelaide 36ers big man Montrezl Harrell," Morris said on SEN.

"You might recall on November 17 last year, Harrell was involved in a brawl at John Cain Arena with opposition Melbourne United players and fans.

"Following the incident, he received racial abuse from a burner Instagram account. It was reported to Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit.

"The burner account sent him a message using the ‘N’ word and said ‘get out of my country’ among other abusive phrases.

"That was seven months ago.

"What I can tell you is that last week a man was arrested and charged in relation to these messages.

"The official charge is using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend and my belief is police will release something on this as early as today.

"Police really only investigate these matters when the athlete themself makes a complaint and it’s the first time my sources can remember someone being arrested and charged following a racial message from a burner account.

"This has implications across sports too, especially given the all too regular abuse Indigenous footballers have copped from random social media accounts.

"It proves that being faceless on social media doesn’t mean you’re untouchable.

"The maximum penalty for this sort of offence is five years."

Basketball Australia (BA) have released a statement confirming its Integrity Unit "has collaborated with Victoria Police to secure the first-ever successful arrest of a person in Australian basketball on charges of racially abusing an athlete via social media".

A 37-year-old Huntingdale man, allegedly responsible for the racist message, was arrested and charged by police on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for BA's Integrity Unit said: “Every athlete deserves to compete in a safe environment, free from abuse. There are laws in place to govern appropriate behaviour towards athletes, and it’s important the public understands that.

“The individuals targeted by hateful messages are human, and Basketball Australia commends the courage it takes to call out this behaviour. Taking a stand sends a clear message of zero tolerance and helps drive the cultural change needed to create a safe sport and respectful environment for everyone.”

To report intimidating, harassing or racially abusive behaviour online, contact your local police station or, in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).