Tasmanians rally round JackJumpers after online abuse

Athletes, coaches and "half a million" Tasmanians have rallied around the island state's NBL team amid an investigation into online trolling of players and their families.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth last weekend revealed "brutal" messages had been sent to personal social media accounts, including one wishing a player's pregnant wife would have a miscarriage.

A Basketball Australia investigation, working with law enforcement and the eSafety Commission, remains ongoing.

The JackJumpers, who are defending champions, had a tough start to the season but have since won back-to-back games including a 95-92 victory over Brisbane on Friday night.

Roth indicated it was never his intention to be at the "pointy end" of attention but said he raised the issue to help protect his players.

He said he had been overwhelmed with texts of support since.

"Most of them from coaches and women and men in sporting teams who've got my number and said 'thank you for speaking out'," he said.

"I don't even know who they really are but that was quite nice to hear."

Roth has been at the helm of the club since their debut in 2021/22 and has helped spread the team's motto "defend the island".

Their success has resulted in a basketball boom in the state and packed stands at their MyState Bank Arena home in Hobart.

"The overwhelming support and the love from Tasmania is crazy," Roth said.

"You feel it in this state and no one really can understand it unless you're down here living and playing in Tasmania.

"It's quite a special place. There are 500,000 people that rally around our guys and believe in this team.

"It has been a hell of a week of support from the state."

JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said the club would continue to support players and their families.

"Basketball Australia has provided updates to all players and myself on the status of each investigation," she said in a statement.

"Several accounts responsible for the abuse have been linked to individuals overseas and are therefore outside the jurisdiction of Basketball Australia's integrity unit

"However, the unit is working closely with law enforcement and the eSafety Commission as it continues its investigation."

The JackJumpers, now just one win outside the top six, next play Adelaide on November 30.