Shocking Turn: Jalen Green Deactivates Instagram After Alleged Death Threats From Rockets Fans
In a shocking and deeply troubling development, Houston Rockets star guard Jalen Green has reportedly deactivated his Instagram account following a wave of online abuse, including alleged death threats from fans. The backlash comes in the wake of the Rockets’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors, a defeat that ended Houston’s playoff run in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Green, just 22, has been one of the rising stars in the NBA and a cornerstone of the Rockets’ rebuilding efforts. However, his underwhelming performance in the decisive Game 7 — where he shot just 3-of-15 from the field and committed five turnovers — became the focal point of criticism among emotionally charged fans.
According to sources close to the player, the post-game vitriol quickly escalated online. What began as disappointment expressed through harsh comments reportedly turned into targeted harassment, culminating in several direct messages containing death threats. In response, Green made the decision to deactivate his Instagram account late Monday night.
While neither Green nor the Rockets have released an official statement as of Tuesday morning, teammates and NBA peers have begun speaking out in defense of the young guard. Veteran teammate Fred VanVleet tweeted, “Criticize the game, not the man. Death threats to a 22-year-old trying to carry the franchise? Unacceptable.” Other NBA players, including Draymond Green and Ja Morant, echoed similar sentiments calling for more empathy and perspective from fans.
The Houston Rockets organization is reportedly aware of the situation and is working closely with NBA security to assess the credibility of the threats. “We take these matters very seriously,” a team spokesperson said under condition of anonymity. “No player should ever have to fear for their safety because of a game.”
Green’s decision to step away from social media underscores the increasing mental health toll that professional athletes face in the digital age. While social media offers a platform for athletes to connect with fans, it also leaves them vulnerable to toxic and sometimes dangerous interactions, particularly in high-stakes situations.
This incident has reignited the broader conversation around player safety, cyberbullying, and fan behavior. Many are calling for social media companies and the NBA to implement stronger protections for athletes who are frequently targets of abuse. Some fans, meanwhile, are expressing regret that a vocal minority has stained the reputation of Rockets Nation.
As the offseason begins, Green’s future remains bright. Despite the Game 7 struggles, he posted a career-high average of 22.9 points per game this season and was instrumental in leading Houston back to the playoffs after a multi-year drought. Whether or not he returns to Instagram, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how he bounces back from this painful chapter.
For now, the hope is that Jalen Green finds peace away from the noise — and that this moment becomes a turning point in how athletes are treated both online and off the court.
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