Latest news with #IntegrityUnit
The Australian
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Simon Goodwin declines AFL probe into death threat after Saints loss
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin opted against the AFL taking any further action after the league's Integrity Unit investigated an online threat made in the wake of the Demons last quarter capitulation against St Kilda on Sunday. Two goals in the final 60 seconds to Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, including one after the siren, sealed the biggest three-quarter-time comeback in AFL history and consigned the Demons to a famous defeat. As he was conducting his post-match press conference, a post from an anonymous account on X included an image of a ute in a car park and a chilling caption. 'I'm currently waiting outside Simon Goodwin's car: Don't fret, Melbourne fans you won't need to worry any further,' the post read. It came after a Collingwood member was banned from the AFL, and MCG, for five years after posting a message on the ground's anti-social behaviour hotline about Carlton coach Michael Voss. Simon Goodwin has received a chilling death threat. Image: X/Getty Melbourne made the AFL Integrity Unit aware of the post but confirmed on Monday there would be no further action, confirming the car in the photo did not belong to Goodwin and it wasn't taken in the Marvel Stadium car park. 'The AFL Integrity Unit has investigated the reported tweet regarding Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin post-game,' the league said in a statement. 'The image posted was not Goodwin's car, nor was it from Marvel Stadium. 'Goodwin has been consulted and does not wish to take the matter further, and there is currently no further action from Victoria Police. 'The AFL is currently working with the platform 'X' to help identify the owner of the account.' Melbourne captain Max Gawn defended Goodwin, who is now in the spotlight after the loss, and said the players were to blame to the chaotic finish. He also said Goodwin, the 2021 premiership winning coach who is contracted for another season, had hit support. 'He's my favourite coach and he's a premiership coach, Gawn said. 'I find him extremely smart tactically and, in the end, he's had us 50-points up against St Kilda, a team that we were down by 50 [points] in Alice Springs. He's in it with us, but the last quarter is not solely on him,' Gawn said.
News.com.au
a day ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
A social media threat to Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin will go unpunished after an AFL investigation
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin opted against the AFL taking any further action after the league's Integrity Unit investigated an online threat made in the wake of the Demons last quarter capitulation against St Kilda on Sunday. Two goals in the final 60 seconds to Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, including one after the siren, sealed the biggest three-quarter-time comeback in AFL history and consigned the Demons to a famous defeat. As he was conducting his post-match press conference, a post from an anonymous account on X included an image of a ute in a car park and a chilling caption. 'I'm currently waiting outside Simon Goodwin's car: Don't fret, Melbourne fans you won't need to worry any further,' the post read. It came after a Collingwood member was banned from the AFL, and MCG, for five years after posting a message on the ground's anti-social behaviour hotline about Carlton coach Michael Voss. Melbourne made the AFL Integrity Unit aware of the post but confirmed on Monday there would be no further action, confirming the car in the photo did not belong to Goodwin and it wasn't taken in the Marvel Stadium car park. 'The AFL Integrity Unit has investigated the reported tweet regarding Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin post-game,' the league said in a statement. 'The image posted was not Goodwin's car, nor was it from Marvel Stadium. 'Goodwin has been consulted and does not wish to take the matter further, and there is currently no further action from Victoria Police. 'The AFL is currently working with the platform 'X' to help identify the owner of the account.' Melbourne captain Max Gawn defended Goodwin, who is now in the spotlight after the loss, and said the players were to blame to the chaotic finish. He also said Goodwin, the 2021 premiership winning coach who is contracted for another season, had hit support. 'He's my favourite coach and he's a premiership coach, Gawn said. 'I find him extremely smart tactically and, in the end, he's had us 50-points up against St Kilda, a team that we were down by 50 [points] in Alice Springs. He's in it with us, but the last quarter is not solely on him,' Gawn said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Fire Dept probes viral porn video linked to auxiliary firefighter
MARANG: The Fire and Rescue Department is conducting an internal investigation into an auxiliary firefighter allegedly linked to a pornographic video that recently went viral on social media. Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said that although the individual in the video was not in uniform, an investigation was launched after the department found several other posts on the man's social media account showing him wearing a Fire Department uniform. "The Integrity Unit has been instructed to form an investigation team to identify the source of the video's circulation and verify the true identity of the individual involved. "If the investigation confirms his involvement, he could be immediately suspended from duty in accordance with the terms of his service scheme," he said at a press conference after closing the Madani Rakyat Community Firefighting Programme at the Auditorium Hall of the Fire and Rescue Academy in Wakaf Tapai today.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Historic Arrest in Australia After Racial Abuse of NBL Star Montrezl Harrell Marks Major Step Toward Combating Online Hate in Sports
Montrezl Harrell (Image via Getty) In a landmark moment for Australian sport and social accountability, a Victorian man has been arrested and charged following a racially abusive social media attack directed at Montrezl Harrell , a prominent player for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League (NBL). The incident has sparked widespread discussion about online abuse, athlete safety, and the power of law enforcement to hold digital offenders accountable. The Incident: Social Media Turns Sour The controversy began in November 2024, shortly after a heated on-court incident involving Harrell at John Cain Arena. Following the game, Montrezl Harrell received a barrage of racist abuse from a burner Instagram account. The messages included the use of the 'N' word and the phrase "get out of my country," among other offensive remarks. The abuse was promptly reported to Basketball Australia's Integrity Unit, setting the wheels of justice in motion. The Investigation and Arrest After a thorough investigation, Victoria Police, in collaboration with Basketball Australia's Integrity Unit, identified and arrested a 37-year-old man from Huntingdale, Victoria. The man was charged with "using a carriage service to menace, harass and/or offend," a serious offense under Australian law that can carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The accused has been bailed and is scheduled to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on August 15, 2025. This arrest marks the first successful prosecution in Australian basketball for racially abusing an athlete via social media—a significant milestone in the fight against online hate. Reactions: Zero Tolerance and Cultural Change The NBL and Basketball Australia have both strongly condemned the abuse and praised the swift action taken by authorities. Lauren Blecher, NBL's chief corporate and governance officer, stated: "The NBL stands united with Basketball Australia in taking a firm stance against any form of online abuse or vilification. The action by Victoria Police sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. We are incredibly proud of the collaborative efforts that led to this outcome. " A spokesperson for Basketball Australia's Integrity Unit emphasized the importance of athlete safety and the need for cultural change: "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. 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 Broader Issue: Social Media Abuse in Sports This case is not an isolated incident. Social media abuse targeting athletes—especially those from minority backgrounds—has been a recurring issue in Australia and worldwide. Just last year, Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth revealed that his team's players and their families had been "attacked brutally through social media to the point where it's ugly," highlighting the urgent need for better protections and accountability. Why This Matters: Setting a Precedent This arrest sends a powerful message: anonymity online does not equate to immunity from the law. For too long, trolls and abusers have hidden behind fake accounts, believing themselves untouchable. This case demonstrates that with the right collaboration between sports organizations and law enforcement, perpetrators can and will be brought to justice. Entertaining Take: The Courtroom, Not the Court While Montrezl Harrell is known for his fierce presence on the basketball court, it's the courtroom where the real drama will unfold next. The accused, who once thought he could hide behind a burner account, now faces the full weight of the law—a reminder that the digital world is very much part of the real one. Also read: LeBron James' Final Act? Los Angeles Lakers Set the Stage for a Legendary Hollywood Farewell in 2026 The arrest of the Australian man for racially abusing Montrezl Harrell is a watershed moment for Australian sport and digital accountability. It is a testament to the courage of athletes who speak out, the diligence of integrity units, and the evolving power of law enforcement in the digital age. As the case heads to court, it stands as a warning to would-be trolls: the game has changed, and the referees are watching—on and off the court. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Japan Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
Australian basketball first as man charged over online racist abuse
A man has been arrested over alleged online abuse of basketball player Montrezl Harrell, who was named by Australian media basketball 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. 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 offense and "a landmark moment". "There are laws in place to govern appropriate behavior towards athletes, and it's important the public understands that," said a spokesman for BA's Integrity Unit. "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. © 2025 AFP
