Latest news with #JamesSchiller
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Footy 'fan' learns his fate in court after being busted sending sickening death threat to NRL star
A man who sent an NRL player a death threat has been slapped with a fine and handed a criminal conviction. Worrying images surfaced online in June showing multiple messages that 20-year-old Joseph Baldwin had allegedly sent Newcastle Knights winger James Schiller on Instagram. The messages were sent after the Knights secured a 26-22 victory against Manly Sea Eagles on June 5 at McDonald Jones Stadium. Schiller, 24, had crossed over for a try in the 61st minute of the match, helping Newcastle seal the closely fought four-point victory. He had also impressed by making the most line breaks of any player on the footy pitch. Magistrate Stephen Barlow told the court that Mr Baldwin had sent a 'concerning death threat' to Schiller following the match. Baldwin, who hails from Hunter Valley, was understood to have sent multiple messages to Schiller, including: 'Count your days... I will end your f***ing life.' The 20-year-old was arrested a week after the incident. He was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, and pleaded guilty to the charge as he appeared in Belmont Local Court on Wednesday. Legal counsel for the defendant, Mr Robert Williams, had asked the Magistrate to spare him a criminal conviction in order for him to 'continue his life without an unblemished record.' But during sentencing, Magistrate Barlow handed Mr Baldwin a $750 fine and a criminal conviction. Magistrate Barlow spoke of his shock at the messages, telling the court that they were 'more than harsh, they are actually quite threatening'. 'The victim was concerned for his own safety and the safety of his family,' Magistrate Barlow added. 'When someone threatens to end your life, it obviously would make anyone have concerns about their welfare and their family's welfare.' The Magistrate had taken into consideration Baldwin's age and maturity, but added that those in the public eye should be allowed to feel safe. 'Just because he is someone who is a public figure, doesn't mean he should have to have a more resilient personality than anyone [else] in the community,' Magistrate Barlow told the court. 'People who play sport in public, professional sports have a legitimate expectation that they can feel safe. Baldwin's counsel Robert Williams also asked the magistrate if his client could be pardoned from entering the courthouse. He explained that there were 'intimidating media' outside. Williams told the court that Baldwin was remorseful over the messages. 'He will never send a message like this again,' Williams said.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
See how State of Origin star exposed troll on social media after copping disgraceful abuse like 'I hope you get charged with sexual assault'
NSW Blues star Liam Martin has exposed a troll on social media after the backrower was abused online following Queensland 's 26-24 win on Wednesday night in game two of the Origin series. Martin used an Instagram story to share the disgraceful comments, which included being labelled a 'ugly human' and hoping the four-time NRL premiership winner with Penrith 'gets accused of sexual assault.' The person who posted the vile message - known as Beau - also stated: 'You look like you don't wash your hair. You you [sic] are disgrace to rugby league.' Martin posted in response: 'Don't be like Beau.' His Origin teammate Zac Lomax was also reportedly targeted online. It comes just days after a man, 20, was charged by NSW Police for allegedly sending death threats and abusive messages to Newcastle Knights star James Schiller. Martin used an Instagram story (pictured) to share the disgraceful comments, which included being labelled a 'ugly human' and hoping the four-time premiership winner with Penrith 'gets accused of sexual assault' Schiller, 23, was targeted with a string of vile messages following his team's dramatic comeback win over Manly recently. The abuse came despite Newcastle pulling off their biggest turnaround in 18 years, recovering from a 16-0 halftime deficit to claim a 26-22 golden point victory at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 5. On social media, several accounts piled on, labelling Schiller 'one of the worst NRL players I've ever seen,' and claiming he 'wouldn't stand out for Taree Turtles reserve grade.' But one message crossed the line, and Schiller shared it publicly. 'Count your days c*** I will end your f***ing life,' the message read, sent to his Instagram inbox early in the second half. Even after the Knights sealed victory, the same account continued to abuse him and added some shocking homophobic comments involving former Queensland Origin star Dane Gagai. 'Doesn't make up for it even though you won. 5 errors, 2 penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree I hope Dane [Gagai] jams his c*** down your throat and you choke and die.' Schiller posted screenshots of the messages to his Instagram story, drawing attention to the darker side of fan behaviour at a time when mental health support for young men and athletes is being heavily promoted across the country. Abuse aimed at young NRL players (pictured) continues to spark debate around online behaviour and athlete mental health support Knights coach Adam O'Brien said the threats against Schiller were a concern. 'That is worrying,' he said. 'I want to protect for him to go through that over a couple of errors….it's a game of footy. 'He's got a family. That's partly the reason why you do want to protect them. 'I think it's a societal problem, isn't it? It's not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. 'We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.' Lake Macquarie police have since arrested and charged a man over the matter. He was charged with use of carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Police charge man for sending alleged death threats to Knights player James Schiller
A 20-year-old man has been charged by NSW police for allegedly sending death threats and abusive messages to Newcastle star James Schiller after last week's match. Schiller, just 23 years old with only 27 first-grade appearances to his name, was targeted with a string of vile messages following his team's dramatic comeback win over Manly. The abuse came despite Newcastle pulling off their biggest turnaround in 18 years, recovering from a 16-0 halftime deficit to claim a 26-22 golden point victory in front of their home fans. Schiller, who played out of position at left centre, was targeted both on the field and online after a tough first half defending against the likes of Daly Cherry-Evans, Reuben Garrick and Haumole Olakau'atu. Forced into unfamiliar territory, Schiller was heavily tested on his edge and finished the half with five errors, two penalties conceded and four missed tackles - leading some fans to harshly single him out for criticism. On social media, several accounts piled on, labelling him 'one of the worst NRL players I've ever seen,' and claiming he 'wouldn't stand out for Taree Turtles reserve grade.' But one message crossed well beyond the line of fair criticism, and Schiller decided to share it publicly. 'Count your days c*** I will end your f***ing life,' the message read, sent to his Instagram inbox early in the second half. Even after the Knights sealed victory, the same account continued to abuse him and add some shocking homophobic comments involving former Origin star Dane Gagai as well. 'Doesn't make up for it even though you won. 5 errors, 2 penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree I hope Dane [Gagai] jams his c*** down your throat and you choke and die.' Schiller posted screenshots of the messages to his Instagram story, drawing attention to the darker side of fan behaviour at a time when mental health support for young men and athletes is being heavily promoted across the country. Lake Macquarie police arrested and charged a man over the matter on Friday. He was charged with use of carriage service to menace, harass or offend. The man was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, July 30. Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien was clearly frustrated by the jeering on the night and didn't hold back in his post-match press conference. 'It's disappointing, it's really disappointing,' O'Brien said. 'I know the scoreline is not what they want, but to boo the effort that went into that first half from a really young team, the people that booed don't know anything about rugby league.' 'They're probably the ones that cheered at the end too and that really disappoints me because a lot of the first half we defended our hearts out.' 'I know people are disappointed with us, but they're trying their backsides off,' he added. He said the threats against his player were a concern. 'That is worrying,' O'Brien said. 'I want to protect them … and for him to go through that over a couple of errors … it's a game of footy. 'He's got a family. That's partly the reason why you do want to protect them. 'I think it's a societal problem, isn't it? It's not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. 'I understand there is some legislation, and I think at the moment it's in the hands of authorities to try and help in this situation with James. 'We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.'
News.com.au
14-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Man, 20, charged over alleged death threats to Newcastle Knights player James Schiller
NSW Police have charged a 20-year-old man for allegedly making death threats and sending vile messages to Knights winger James Schiller last week. Schiller copped a barrage of abuse on his social media following Newcastle's 26-22 golden point victory over the Sea Eagles last week. Schiller had a mixed performance, committing five errors, missing four tackles, and giving away three penalties but also scored and produced several moments of brilliance in the Knights' comeback win. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. But after the Knights' incredible victory, Schiller returned to the dressing room over the moon, only to open his phone to see several vile threats aimed in his direction. 'Count your days c--- I will end your f---ing life,' the private message to Schiller read. 'Doesn't make up for it even though you won … 'Five errors, two penalties, 1 six again and partridge in a pear tree. I hope Dane (Gagai) jams his c--- down your throat and you choke and die.' The threats directed at Schiller were addressed by Knights coach Adam by O'Brien following the game, who labelled it 'worrying'. 'That is worrying,' O'Brien said. 'I want to protect them … and for him to go through that over a couple of errors … it's a game of footy. 'He's got a family. That's partly the reason why you do want to protect them. 'I think it's a societal problem, isn't it? It's not just football players who are getting that sort of stuff. 'I understand there is some legislation, and I think at the moment it's in the hands of authorities to try and help in this situation with James. 'We need to be able to stop people doing it, change their thought process before doing it.' Lake Macquarie Detectives launched an investigation into the incident after Schiller was reportedly shaken up by the ordeal. It led to them arresting and charging a 20-year-old man on Friday. The man was charged with use of carriage service to menace/harass/offend. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. Police have the authority to charge individuals for threats made through social media and this incident isn't the first of its kind. In 2021, two men were charged after sending abusive or threatening messages to NRL star Latrell Mitchell on social media.
The Advertiser
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Lake Macquarie man charged over allegedly sending Knights player death threats online
A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview. A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview. A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview. A 20-year-old man will face court next month accused of sending Newcastle Knights winger flyer James Schiller death threats online after Newcastle's dramatic 26-22 win over Manly. Schiller took to his personal Instagram account after the game earlier this month to expose comments from a supposed fan that included a death threat. The fan allegedly sent Schiller a direct message and told him to "count your days c--t I will end your f---ing life". Lake Macquarie Police arrested the 20-year-old at Belmont Police Station on Friday afternoon, June 13, where he was charged with using a carriage service to harass the Knights player. He was granted conditional bail and was ordered to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, July 30. National Rugby League boss Andrew Abdo condemned the alleged abuse after the Schiller published the messages, describing it as "abhorrent", as it was referred to the league's integrity unit and NSW Police. Schiller's teammates rallied after the incident. "It's worrying," Knights coach Adam O'Brien said. "For him to go through that, over a couple of errors, it's a game of footy. He has got a family." It's the second time in 12 months Schiller has put the spotlight on unacceptable abuse of players. The latest incident comes almost a year after Schiller revealed he had been subjected to foul abuse while playing for the Canberra Raiders following a post-match interview.
