Texas Tech Player Receives Racist Death Threats, Fans Have His Back
Following Texas Tech's loss to Kansas in double overtime Monday night, Red Raiders basketball player Kevin McCullar posted on his instagram story that he had received death threats.
“Appreciate all the energy and death threats! It’s what comes with this platform! At 20 years old I’ve realized more than ever that ups & downs are apart of life but remember everyday truly is a blessing,” his post read.
McCullar's father added that his son had also called racial slurs.
“To stand together, we must stand up for one another! The senseless messages including death threats, racial slurs, hanging, are unacceptable! Recognize that these young men pour their heart & souls into this game,” McCullar Sr. said on Twitter with a screenshot of his son's Instagram message.
McCullar did not have his best game as a Red Raider against Kansas in Lawrence on Monday. He was 1-for-11, and had a costly turnover late in the second overtime. But this is a player who's been one of the best on the team for three straight seasons and had large stretches in his first two seasons as the best player on the team.
God forbid a collegiate player has a bad game, right?
The response from Texas Tech fans on social media was overwhelmingly positive in response to the post, but it wasn't as positive toward McCullar and fellow junior Terrence Shannon, Jr.
Kevin McCullar, Sr.'s post on Twitter had 1,700 likes and more than 300 quotes and comments from everyone from former Big 12 players, commentators and Red Raider fans on twitter.
Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Adams simply tweeted in response, "Retweet if you're with us."
That post had more than 4,500 retweets at the time of publishing.
Terrence Shannon, Jr. also responded to the incident saying, "See y'all Saturday love the energy, we here !!"
The Red Raiders will host the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, January 29th, 2022 at 5 p.m. at the United Supermarkets Arena. It will also play on ESPN2.