'Disgusting and cruel': Reporter cops vile sledge about late daughter
The NBA community has come out in support of ESPN reporter Royce Young after he was on the receiving end of a vile attack from an online troll.
One social media user took exception to Young’s criticism of Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook, after a sub-par performance in the NBA Playoffs.
The troll replied to a tweet from Young, saying: “Don’t be mad Russ’ daughters are alive unlike yours.”
Young recently marked the two-year anniversary since he and wife Keri lost their daughter Eva.
We said hello and goodbye to our sweet Eva Grace yesterday. Eva Grace Young — 4-17-17
A post shared by royceyoung (@royceyoung) on Apr 18, 2017 at 7:00am PDT
Eva was stillborn due to a rare birth defect.
Young took the high road, responding: “I know you’re just some anonymous moron on Twitter but I’d like you to know that this hurt my feelings. I know that’s what you were going for and congrats, you succeeded.”
The troll’s comment sparked widespread outrage, with many labelling the comment ‘disgusting’ and cruel’.
What in the world is wrong with people? Seriously, what is wrong with you to write something like this to a person you don't know?
I don't agree with everything people say online but you keep it human. This is disgusting, wrong and inhuman behavior. It's not funny. It's cruel. pic.twitter.com/Lzv4QVFL1n
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) April 22, 2019
So sorry to see the message you received today, @royceyoung. We all saw what you went through back then. I hope through this troll, people look up your story and understand what a true servant's heart is all about. God bless you and your family today.
— Cliff Brunt (@CliffBruntAP) April 22, 2019
What a pathetic personal attack on @royceyoung. Why? Because some troll didn’t like a SPORTS OPINION of his. The best part about the internet? Everyone has a voice. The worst part about the internet? Everyone has a voice. Be better, people. Kindness goes a long way.
— Doug Russell (@DougRussell) April 22, 2019
Often easier said than done but don't even think twice about clowns like that. Total nonsense. You operate in a world where each word matters and you take pride in everything you write. Others do not. They're just babbling and emotional – and often from an ignorant place.
— Doug Kezirian (@DougESPN) April 22, 2019
Royce Young, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. The man who did it was afraid of repercussions and deleted his account, I’m making sure no one is able to get the username and troll further more. pic.twitter.com/FbAyF55a8J
— Read below. (@Kgskins25) April 22, 2019
This is EVERYTHING that’s wrong with ppl and social media. Throwing a family’s tragedy at them b/c you are frustrated with SPORTS. This type on insensitivity and foolishness needs to stop. @royceyoung is a great guy who’s family deserves much more respect than this. pic.twitter.com/MRTRNW5bGN
— Antonio Daniels (@adaniels33) April 22, 2019
No way is that despicable human being worthy of your attention.
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) April 22, 2019
I’ve met a lot of people in the NBA media and there are basically none I respect more than @royceyoung
We can’t lose sight that there are actual people with lives and feelings on the other end of these handles
Disagreement is part of twitter, I get it. But be a person please
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) April 22, 2019
Young’s wife also offered a classy response, asking those who were upset by the comments to sign up as an organ donor.
Most of you are incredibly kind and supportive. To the rest of you, I hope you stub your toe today.
— Keri (@keri_young) April 22, 2019
Young opened up about Eva’s death in 2017:
“What we unexpectedly found, though, was joy in the pregnancy,” he wrote.
“We happily talked about our sweet Eva, and day by day our love for her grew.
“We got excited to be her parents. I think a big part of that was connected to the decision we made to continue on, which was empowering. She had a name, an identity, and a purpose.”
A bit of an unorthodox Christmas, but a great one nonetheless.
A post shared by royceyoung (@royceyoung) on Dec 25, 2018 at 5:43pm PST