Australian basketball first as man charged over online racist abuse

Adelaide, Australia, 11 July- A man has been charged with racially abusing a high-profile basketball player via social media in what officials said Friday was a first for the sport in Australia.

Police arrested the 37-year-old earlier this month after he allegedly sent a racist message to the National Basketball League player's social media account.

Basketball Australia did not identify the player targeted, but News Corp newspapers and national broadcaster ABC said it was former NBA star Montrezl Harrell, who is currently contracted to the Adelaide 36ers.

The American power forward, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets, made his name with the Los Angel.BSS