Basketball: Troll attacks ESPN reporter about his stillborn daughter

A troll's response to a series of a reporter's tweets highlighting a bad second half shooting performance by Thunder star Russell Westbrook was labelled 'disgusting'. Photo / Instagram/AP

The NBA community has rallied around ESPN reporter Royce Young after a Twitter troll made a disgraceful comment about his stillborn daughter.

This week marked two years since Young, who is based in Oklahoma City and covers the Thunder, and his wife Keri lost their daughter, Eva, as a result of a rare medical condition.

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But after objecting to Young's coverage of the Thunder after they fell behind 3-1 to the Portland Trail Blazers in their first round NBA playoff series with a 111-98 home defeat, one social media user went somewhere that was completely unacceptable.

In an apparent response to a series of Young tweets highlighting a bad second half shooting performance by Thunder star Russell Westbrook, the troll wrote: "Don't be mad (because) Russ' daughters are alive unlike yours."

It prompted widespread disgust.

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

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 (@DougKezirian) April 22, 2019

Young responded with class, writing: "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."

His wife also took the high road, encouraging anyone who was offended to sign up to become 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