Ad Disclosure
EJ Liddell speaks out against ‘rude and disrespectful’ fans from Ohio State’s win vs. Illinois
Published:
EJ Liddell can handle the boos and the chants. What he doesn’t care for, though, was some of the “rude and disrespectful” comments hurled his way during Ohio State’s 86-83 win over Illinois on Thursday night in Champaign.
Liddell took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to address some of the insults he heard throughout the course of his 21-point, 6-rebound performance at the State Farm Center. He took no offense to being the villain but said some things said during the game were inappropriate.
Below is the thread Liddell fired off on Friday following Ohio State’s victory:
1/4: Was too late to tweet something out after the game yesterday but man did I have a great time! Got to see my best friend, some family, and a lot of fans of mine from home. Great environment I loved the boos and the chants, they made me feel special.
— E.J. Liddell (@EasyE2432) February 25, 2022
2/4: But I can’t even explain how rude and disrespectful some fans were. Know your place. I have no hard feelings with that university but man y’all are crazy as hell if you think you can just talk to an athlete any kind of way. I play basketball everyday with a smile on my face.
— E.J. Liddell (@EasyE2432) February 25, 2022
3/4: If you hate me for that, I don’t know what to say. Makes me wonder how some of y’all treat others. Y’all can’t take me out my element. Love me some good trash talk, and the chants “EJ Sucks” cause at the time I was 0/3.
— E.J. Liddell (@EasyE2432) February 25, 2022
4/4: Wasn’t playing the best at the beginning lol. Happy my family didn’t get a chance to make it due to the weather but man I’m glad they only heard things that was said through TV. All aside I had a great time! Some fans just need to get over that I didn’t pick their school.
— E.J. Liddell (@EasyE2432) February 25, 2022
This issue isn’t just a concern at Illinois, as other players have had gripes with opposing fans at times in recent years. Hostile crowds are often going to get riled up, most of the time it’s not an issue. Clearly, a few fans in attendance crossed the line on Thursday night.
Liddell hasn’t had much trouble with opposing fans this season. The Ohio State star is averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game this season. The Buckeyes own an 18-7 record and are 11-5 in B1G play, 1.5 games out of first place.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB