Editor’s note: The following content includes explicit threats of violence.

A growing number of athletes from various sports are starting to speak out regarding issues related to gambling, and it’s vital for everyone to listen. Many athletes believe that the close ties between professional sports leagues and betting companies have led to a perilous atmosphere. This environment is not only harmful but also threatening.

Tennis player Caroline Garcia recently articulated this danger on X, addressing the negative effects of what she termed “unhealthy betting.”

Garcia’s remarks, along with comments from NCAA president Charlie Baker — who quietly mentioned the mental health struggles of college athletes due to gambling — emphasize a concerning truth. Many have long suspected that while sports leagues might profit immensely from gambling, the consequences for athletes could be grave.

Garcia’s observations reflect a common sentiment among athletes, indicating that she is not isolated in her concern.

In recent months, various interviews have revealed the extent of the problem, often presenting isolated incidents that together reveal a troubling pattern. These narratives demonstrate the harsh realities athletes are facing, which may persist for the foreseeable future.

<p.Baker, in April, mentioned the hostility that college athletes experience with regard to betting.

“This is likely the top issue that student-athletes discuss with me,” stated Baker, “which involves the harassment and hostility from not just the betting community but also their fellow students.”

Moreover, in June, Bob Nightengale from YSL News Sports reported on the harassment that some MLB players endure due to gambling, especially after the league’s collaboration with betting companies, raising concerns about player safety.

“You hear everything,” shared Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald with YSL News Sports. “If you blow a save or fail to perform, it all comes pouring in. ‘Screw you. You’re terrible. You cost me money. I’ll kill you and your family.’”

“Things escalate quickly, it’s frightening and disheartening. In the past, fans were upset if you lost a game for the team, but these days it’s all about gambling. People don’t care about the Diamondbacks; they care only about their bets, often involving money they can’t afford to lose. It puts us in a very unsettling position.”

One MLB general manager reported receiving serious death threats that necessitated police protection at his residence.

“I remember a time when I played for Cleveland, and after a bad game, someone followed me home, yelling that I cost him money. It was terrifying,” reflected Diamondbacks reliever Logan Allen.

In response to Garcia’s comments, fellow tennis player Jessica Pegula noted: “Yes. The ongoing death and family threats have become routine. Win or lose, it’s the same.”

Coco Gauff added: “You might be having a decent day when someone tells you, ‘Oh, go kill yourself.’ You’re like, ‘Thanks for that.’”

While some abuse is typical for athletes, the amount of harassment and threats from gamblers has created an alarming new “normal.”

Currently, there isn’t a comprehensive study that details how the threats faced by athletes have evolved over the last decade. However, it seems that the current threat level from gambling-related harassment is perhaps the worst we’ve ever seen.

“You receive some deeply disturbing messages and a lot of nasty DMs (direct messages on social media),” commented Logan Webb, a prominent pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. “Fans are passionate, and with money on the line, it has escalated greatly. In my rookie year, gambling was not as rampant; it was more about saying, ‘You don’t belong on the team.’”

“Now, the messages are more pointed — ‘You just cost me money.’ I’ve had people say really messed up things, especially when I don’t perform. ‘I’ve got money on you for strikeouts. Are you going to deliver?’ Sometimes I wish I could say, ‘Not a chance.’ It’s getting intense.”

This context brings us back to Garcia’s message, particularly crucial in her X post:

“The sport and tournaments keep aligning with betting companies, attracting people to harmful betting behaviors,” Garcia wrote. “Gone are the days when cigarette brands sponsored sports, yet here we are endorsing betting firms that can ruin lives.”

She concluded her statement, “Let me clarify, I’m not advocating for banning these companies as individuals may spend their money as they wish. However, we should reconsider promoting them. Moreover, if someone dared to yell these threats in person, they could face legal consequences. So why does online anonymity allow such behavior? Isn’t it time we reevaluate that?”

Absolutely, and sports leagues must take action.