NBA Players Face Social Media Threats Amid Gambling Boom

WASHINGTON (AP) — Following the legalization of sports betting in several states, NBA players are increasingly facing abusive messages on social media from fans upset about their gambling losses. The trend is particularly troubling for players like Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who shared that he receives threats and racial slurs regardless of his performance on the court.

Brunson, who acknowledges the challenges of receiving harmful messages after games, explained that many of these anonymous accounts, which lack profile pictures or identifiable usernames, often resort to racial slurs and death threats. “I’ve never felt genuinely threatened, but there has been some really disrespectful stuff said,” he said.

The surge in gambling correlates with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting, a move that has led to explosive growth in the industry. According to the American Gaming Association, the sports betting sector generated $10.92 billion in revenue in 2023. Following this boom, fans can now easily wager money from their homes, often leading to emotional reactions when the outcomes of games don’t go their way.

Brunson noted, “People wager money they can’t afford to lose, and it creates this toxic interaction. I get messages from those who bet on games, and some of them are quite disturbing.”

Other players have also shared their experiences. Washington Wizards guard Corey Kispert reported that his team receives harsh messages almost nightly after losses. He remarked, “These people are pretty much anonymous on social media. We just kind of feel like we can let it go. It’s the dark side of it all.”

Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma finds some humor in the situation. “I don’t really read the messages. It’s funny because people think they can blame us for their bets,” he said. Kuzma’s approach highlights a coping strategy many players have adopted to deal with the pressure and hostility stemming from fans’ gambling losses.

Knicks guard Josh Hart contrasted his professional responsibilities with the expectations that fans place on players, noting, “I get everything. People say, ‘I hope you die.’ They wish injury. Racial stuff.” Hart, however, maintains his focus on the game, despite the chaotic interactions.

Concerns are also raised by players regarding the ability to report abusive messages. The league acknowledges existing protocols for reporting incidents, but many players, like Hart and Brunson, have expressed that they were not fully aware of these procedures. An NBA spokesperson confirmed that NBA security monitors social media for threats and is prepared to work with law enforcement if needed.

Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart stated, “I find it funny, until there’s a line that they cross when it’s not funny.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment shared among players who are navigating the evolving landscape of sports and social media. Fellow Knicks rookie Tyler Kolek disclosed that he received direct threats during his time at Marquette, illustrating a pattern of hostility that appears to transcend levels of play.

The NBA continues to explore ways to engage with fans who gamble while protecting players from the fallout of their financial decisions. Commissioner Adam Silver has previously underscored the need for a robust handling of gambling-related issues. “Where’s my money at?” Knicks guard Mikal Bridges quipped, expressing his frustration over the one-sided nature of fan interactions.

As the legal framework around sports gambling expands, the emotional toll on players may only deepen, highlighting a pressing need for meaningful dialogue and action to safeguard their mental health and well-being.