DeMar Derozan’s nine-year-old daughter Diar became a social media sensation on Wednesday after going viral during the Bulls’ 109–105 road win over the Raptors in the play-in tournament. But, according to a startling new report, the feel-good moment wasn’t entirely well-received by some online users.
In the aftermath of Chicago’s win, DeMar and Diar were escorted out of Scotiabank Arena and led to the Bulls bus by team security after the NBA notified Chicago of “severe online threats” aimed at the All-Star’s daughter, TNT’s Chris Haynes reported Friday. In response to the concerning report, DeRozan confirmed to Haynes that the move was done as a “precautionary measure” and that Diar wasn’t in harm’s way.
“As long as she was there with her father, I wasn’t worried about anything happening! It was just a precautionary measure and I appreciate that,” DeRozan said.
The heinous activity came in response to Diar’s memorable contributions to Wednesday’s game, as many credited her well-timed, high-pitched screams for impacting the Raptors during their free throw attempts. After the screams were initially unidentified, ESPN cameras eventually found Diar giving it her all in the crowd in an effort to assist her dad’s team.
As it turns out, the Raptors, who shot over 78% from the free-throw line entering the game, may have indeed been shaken by the sonic sounds as they made just 18 of their 36 attempts in the loss. Meanwhile, DeRozan, who reacted like a proud dad after the game, finished the game with 23 points to help lead Chicago to the big win.
As Diar’s hilarious videos continued making the rounds online, many began to wonder postgame if she would make another courtside appearance on Friday for Chicago’s win-or-go-home matchup against the Heat for the No. 8 seed. But, unfortunately for Bulls fans (and likely a few players), that hope was later dashed after DeRozan announced Thursday Diar would not be there because she had to go back to school.
