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Posted: 2024-10-04 08:45:24

Former NBA star Montrezl Harrell, who now plays basketball for the Adelaide 36ers, has been racially abused online.

The Adelaide 36ers basketball team has condemned the racist comments, which happened after Thursday night's 10-point win over South East Melbourne Phoenix.

In a statement posted to Instagram, the 36ers said racist comments were directed at one of their players on social media after the game.

"In moments like this, the 36ers and the NBL stand together to educate people about the harmful impacts of racism and online abuse," the statement read.

Harrell shared the racial slurs, which were from an anonymous account, to his social media.

The slurs also included references to his death.

The club called out the incident 16 hours after Harrell's post.

The 36ers said the incident had been reported to the Basketball Australia integrity unit.

A club spokesperson did not believe the incident had been referred to South Australian Police.

Basketballer looking disappointed

Harrell was an NBA Sixth Man of the Year. (Supplied: ESPN)

Harrell had a strong match against the Phoenix, scoring 14 points.

A spokesperson for the Phoenix said "while it appears to not be a Phoenix member, we want to make it clear we do not condone this".

Basketball Australia has been contacted for comment.

Harrell brought in as a replacement

The 36ers announced Harrell would be joining them last month to replace injured player Jarell Martin.

At the time, 36ers head coach Mike Wells said Harrell would "bring energy at both ends of the floor" while "adding toughness".

"Montrezl will bring that professionalism with a lot of years in the NBA and his competitiveness is great and he will bring that to the organisation," Wells said.

Harrell has played more than 500 games in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers.

Wells also has extensive NBA experience, coaching several team in the US since 1995.

Head coach sacked

The racial incident comes at a tense time for the 36ers after the sacking of head coach Scott Ninnis in August, just six months after he was appointed to the role.

After being contacted about the racial incident, the club released a separate statement regarding Ninnis.

A man in a blue t-shirt.

Former head coach Scott Ninnis was dismissed a quarter of the way through his contract. (ABC News: Dean Faulkner)

It said the club had met with Ninnis last week to discuss matters relating to his departure.

"Both parties are pleased to announce that all issues have now been resolved and Ninnis is supportive of the club moving forward," the statement read.

Grant Kelley, Adelaide 36ers executive chairman, said it was important for both parties to move forward and look towards the future.

"Scott is a club legend and we are glad to have his support," he said.

"As a club, we have a full focus on what is ahead for us and are excited for the NBL25 season."

The club statement said Ninnis said he was "thankful to put the past behind him" and was looking forward to supporting the club.

"I am happy that we have been able to sort things out," Ninnis said.

"I wish Grant and the club all the best for the season ahead and I'm looking forward to attending games this season."

Scott Ninnis was replaced by Mike Wells, who was originally appointed as an assistant coach earlier this year.

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