logo
Australian basketball first as man charged over online racist abuse

Australian basketball first as man charged over online racist abuse

Yahoo11-07-2025
A man has been arrested over alleged online abuse of basketball player Montrezl Harrell, who was named by Australian media (Kevin C. Cox)
A man has been charged with racially abusing a high-profile basketball player via social media in what officials said Friday was a first for the sport in Australia.
Police arrested the 37-year-old earlier this month after he allegedly sent a racist message to the National Basketball League player's social media account.
Advertisement
Basketball Australia did not identify the player targeted, but News Corp newspapers and national broadcaster ABC said it was former NBA star Montrezl Harrell, who is currently contracted to the Adelaide 36ers.
The American power forward, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets, made his name with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Basketball Australia said it was the first-ever successful arrest for such an offence and "a landmark moment".
"There are laws in place to govern appropriate behaviour towards athletes, and it's important the public understands that," said a spokesman for BA's Integrity Unit.
Advertisement
"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."
The man was charged with using a carriage service -- such as a phone, email or social media -- to menace, harass and/or offend. He was bailed to appear before a Melbourne court on August 15.
The 36ers said in a statement that the player who received the message "is aware of the arrest and is comfortable with the way the matter has been handled".
"The Adelaide 36ers commend Victoria Police and Basketball Australia's Integrity Unit for their strong stance in pursuing this matter," it added.
mp/djw/rsc
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation
Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation

Washington Post

time29 minutes ago

  • Washington Post

Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation

MELBOURNE, Australia — A suspected arsonist accused of destroying a Melbourne synagogue appeared in court seven months after the crime shocked the nation and triggered a large-scale investigation. Giovanni Laulu, 21, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court Thursday after his arrest at a Melbourne home on Wednesday. Police allege Laulu is one of three masked men who spread a liquid accelerant around the interior of the Adass Israel Synagogue then set it alight before dawn on Dec. 6. A worshipper preparing for morning prayers suffered minor burns.

Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation
Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation

Australia Synagogue Fire MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A suspected arsonist accused of destroying a Melbourne synagogue appeared in court seven months after the crime shocked the nation and triggered a large-scale investigation. Giovanni Laulu, 21, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court Thursday after his arrest at a Melbourne home on Wednesday. Police allege Laulu is one of three masked men who spread a liquid accelerant around the interior of the Adass Israel Synagogue then set it alight before dawn on Dec. 6. A worshipper preparing for morning prayers suffered minor burns. Laulu is the first suspect to be caught, but police have foreshadowed more arrests. Police suspect there are also accomplices who planned the attack from overseas. Laulu was charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Laulu confirmed his name but otherwise remained silent during the brief court appearance. He did not enter pleas or apply to be released on bail. His lawyer told Magistrate Brett Sonnett this was not Laulu's first time in prison. Laulu was then remanded in custody and will appear in court next on Aug. 6. Prosecutors sought 12 weeks to gather evidence against Laulu and said 11 cell phones need to be analysed. Sonnett gave the prosecution until Oct. 22 to present their case to Laulu's lawyers. Federal and state police, plus Australia's main domestic spy agency, have been investigating the crime, which is suspected to be politically motivated. Police say more than 220 law enforcement officers have devoted more than 50,000 hours to the investigation. State Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Victoria Police would be relentless in pursuing and holding those involved in the synagogue arson to account. 'Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact this incident has had in the Victorian community — the fear and distress a crime like this can cause,' Bush said in a statement. 'People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way. We remain committed to identifying all those who seek to cause this kind of fear and harm, and ensuring they are brought to justice,' he added. A wave of antisemitic attacks has roiled Australia since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel triggered the war in Gaza. The synagogue attack is the only incident that has been classified as an act of terrorism, a designation that increases the resources available to the investigation. The federal government has committed 30 million Australian dollars ($20 million) to rebuild the synagogue.

Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation
Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation

Associated Press

timean hour ago

  • Associated Press

Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked the nation

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A suspected arsonist accused of destroying a Melbourne synagogue appeared in court seven months after the crime shocked the nation and triggered a large-scale investigation. Giovanni Laulu, 21, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court Thursday after his arrest at a Melbourne home on Wednesday. Police allege Laulu is one of three masked men who spread a liquid accelerant around the interior of the Adass Israel Synagogue then set it alight before dawn on Dec. 6. A worshipper preparing for morning prayers suffered minor burns. Laulu is the first suspect to be caught, but police have foreshadowed more arrests. Police suspect there are also accomplices who planned the attack from overseas. Laulu was charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life and car theft. Laulu confirmed his name but otherwise remained silent during the brief court appearance. He did not enter pleas or apply to be released on bail. His lawyer told Magistrate Brett Sonnett this was not Laulu's first time in prison. Laulu was then remanded in custody and will appear in court next on Aug. 6. Prosecutors sought 12 weeks to gather evidence against Laulu and said 11 cell phones need to be analysed. Sonnett gave the prosecution until Oct. 22 to present their case to Laulu's lawyers. Federal and state police, plus Australia's main domestic spy agency, have been investigating the crime, which is suspected to be politically motivated. Police say more than 220 law enforcement officers have devoted more than 50,000 hours to the investigation. State Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Victoria Police would be relentless in pursuing and holding those involved in the synagogue arson to account. 'Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact this incident has had in the Victorian community — the fear and distress a crime like this can cause,' Bush said in a statement. 'People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way. We remain committed to identifying all those who seek to cause this kind of fear and harm, and ensuring they are brought to justice,' he added. A wave of antisemitic attacks has roiled Australia since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel triggered the war in Gaza. The synagogue attack is the only incident that has been classified as an act of terrorism, a designation that increases the resources available to the investigation. The federal government has committed 30 million Australian dollars ($20 million) to rebuild the synagogue.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store