To the editor:

Recent inappropriate treatment of Americans by Americans, fueled by many causes including actions by elected officials, is sadly rampant today. The most recent example is a local young man who plays basketball at the University of Kansas, who was physically threatened and racially threatened by people online. I don’t use the word “fans” because they are not fans; they are disgusting individuals.

It’s only basketball. Individuals are more important than anything in this universe. I have heard on many levels how excellent a person this young man is. Just because he had a bad day and failed to perform at his typical abilities is not justification for what has been said. Nor will there ever be a justification for these words and threats at any time or any situation. I am so thankful that this young man wears the KU uniform and want to let him know that there are far more fans that appreciate a local kid coming back and helping our team than are the despicable individuals who are making threats and derogatory racially motivated comments. In the modified words of Jelly Roll, this is not OK, but he will be OK.

Terrance Riordan,

Lawrence