Fans of sports have had a history of less-than-ideal behavior. It doesn’t matter if it’s the U8 rec league, NCAA basketball, or the Olympics, fans behave in an embarrassing fashion. Some rec leagues have gone so far as to put up signs to remind parents and families that players, coaches, and umpires/referees are still human and don’t deserve the abuse often hurled toward them.
On May 18, the NCAA released a damning report when it comes to fan behavior and betting. Evidently, about one in three “high-profile” athletes receive abusive messages. These messages could range from light trolling to as serious as suggesting a player should end his or her life.
NCAA Reports Fans, Bettors Harass 1/3rd of College Athletes
![The NCAA Reports Some Deplorable Behavior From Fans 1 NCAA](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_9829800_168400545_lowres-1024x683.jpg)
Emotions run high when it comes to sports. At the same time, emotions don’t have to be negative. On the positive side, parents cheer hardcore when their child hits the ball into the outfield in tee-ball. Negatively, you cannot go a day without hearing of a fan fight.
Now, add in a monetary aspect.
Sports betting has effectively taken over college and professional sports. Just log into your ESPN app. You can’t escape it. On your TV, radio, social media, and even cereal boxes have “USE OUR BETTING PLATFORM WE WILL GIVE YOU MONEY,” or something of that nature. It’s pervasive.
No matter how many “Call 1-800-GAMBLER” disclaimers, it’s not going to deter a degenerate from placing a $2,000 bet on the Knicks to win Game 7 or $500 on a nine-way parlay at +5739 odds that is inevitably destroyed by some 19-year old’s mistake.
This isn’t to say sports betting is inherently evil. If done right and intelligently, it can become a viable career. It’s the same as playing the stock market or buying and selling Yu-Gi-Oh cards. What you choose to do with your emotions is the important part.
News Flash: Don’t DM Athletes
Honestly, what did I do to deserve this? I’m human. pic.twitter.com/djXzhSH0q8
— E.J. Liddell (@EasyE2432) March 20, 2021
There’s a saying in college football recruiting: “Don’t tweet at ‘cruits.” In plain English, don’t publically or privately call out the 17-year-old running back who chose to commit to a school other than your favorite. It’s the same here. Don’t DM athletes.
Yes, sports betting is everywhere. As you’re reading this, there is likely a “Same Game Parlay” ad on your computer, phone, or TV screen somewhere. However, your inability to guess a player or team’s performance correctly on a given day does not give you the right to harass athletes. It doesn’t matter if that athlete is 16 and lost your alma mater the State Championship or if it’s LeBron James and he sat out a game that you inexplicably dropped $500 on.
Again, sports betting can be fun. It can add another level of spice to a game that otherwise would not have your attention. Have $20 to spend and the only thing on is Toledo vs Northern Illinois on a cold November Tuesday Night? Looks like you’re glued to the TV as Tucker Gleason’s O/U of 245.5 yards is about to hit because #MACtion.
Women NCAA athletes, according to the report, are three times as likely to have abusive and even criminally liable messages sent their way. Remember the vitriol of the Women’s basketball season with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others? Imagine the party in their DMs for one reason or another.
After Angel Reese revealed the death threats she had received, many fans didn’t believe her, but there is evidence that it happens a lot more than people think.
Recent data indicates that one in three high-profile athletes receive abusive messages onlinehttps://t.co/tX8G9KNJfq pic.twitter.com/jaGJXb3yr0— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) April 10, 2024
This NCAA report is, to put it bluntly, pathetic. If you suck at managing your money, don’t take it out on collegiate athletes. At no point in your poorly advised 10-leg parlay hinging on a third-string receiver getting 21.5 yards does it make it right to hurl abuse. When Noah Ruggles missed the game-winning kick in the Peach Bowl, notoriously chill and level-headed Buckeye “fans” came out of the woodwork to harass the kicker.
Do better. Be Better.