Sports

Kentucky Basketball Player Condemns Fan For Referencing Mom In Social Media Attack

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Malachi Moreno struggled in the Kentucky Wildcats’ opening game of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. He was attacked by a member of the fanbase as a result.

His mother was referenced in the social media criticism. The freshman heard that clip and responded over the weekend.

Moreno believes a line was crossed. He condemned the fan during an interview with the media.

Who is Malachi Moreno?

The former five-star recruit was a headliner in the Wildcats‘ 2025 class. By signing with the program, he became a part of a Kentucky roster believed to cost north of $20 million.

Expectations are high in Lexington. The NIL investment only upped the stakes.

Moreno has played a key role for the ‘Cats as a freshman. The 6-11 center has started 29 games. He was in the rotation on Friday when the team opened its national championship pursuit.

Kentucky faced Santa Clara in the Round of 64. It narrowly escaped with an overtime win thanks to a buzzer beating shot by Otega Oweh.

They will live to fight another day. Next up is a matchup vs. Iowa State with a Sweet 16 appearance on the line.

Moreno scored three points and had three turnovers in his NCAA Tournament debut. It continued a season of ups and downs.

Injuries slowed the big man throughout the year. Still, he’s averaged 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. When at 100%, he’s been lauded by rival coaches as a top rookie in the SEC, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Unfortunately, he’s been inconsistent. That’s to be expected by a first-year player. His inexperience has not shielded him from criticism.

Kentucky basketball fans are upset.

In a now-deleted TikTok video, a member of Big Blue Nation attacked Malachi Moreno. That clip quickly went viral.

“Moreno is a loser,” the man in the post is heard saying. “I’ll be glad when he’s gone. Find a new job, dude. Basketball ain’t it… You suck. I’ll tell it to you and your mom’s face.”

That video was sent to Moreno. He was asked about it ahead of his second-round matchup.

“One of my friends sent me that video,” he said. “I usually don’t pay attention to things like that, but when you bring my mom into it, my family into it, that’s not okay with me.”

Moreno blasted the actions of the fan, as did many others. He does not believe it’s a representation of the fanbase as a whole.

With that being said, the center understands he needs to step up on Game 2. He plans to clean up the mistakes when the Wildcats face the Cyclones.

“It wasn’t a good performance,” he said. “I’ve just got to be better. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. There’s no way to change anything about it. I just got to be better.”

He’ll look to keep Kentucky’s season moving into the second weekend of NCAA Tournament play.