Ohio State AD Gene Smith, Chris Holtmann come to defense of E.J. Liddell

Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann, and AD Gene Smith released statements on threats made to E.J. Liddell on social media following OSU loss.

In case you missed the disgraceful news today, Ohio State basketball forward E.J. Liddell was sent unacceptable and frightening direct messages on social media after the Buckeyes bowed out of the NCAA Tournament.

Yeah, it was a disappointing loss, and, yeah, fans are frustrated, but we’re here to remind everyone it’s just a game.

If you’ve ever met or talked to Liddell, there aren’t a whole lot of better human beings out there. He’s respectful, hard-working and extremely gracious at press conferences and other media availabilities.

Maybe you should have to obtain a license for social media these days. In fact, our writer Mark Russell put this very well in a thought-out perspective.

Regardless, the Ohio State administration came to the defense of Liddell Saturday after the news broke. Both his head coach, Chris Holtmann, and athletic director Gene Smith released statements of support that we’re sharing with you.

NEXT … Chris Holtmann’s statement