Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne recently revealed on a talk show that disgruntled bettors were messaging him on Venmo, demanding their money back after his team’s loss to the California Golden Bears. Thorne threw four interceptions in the game, which led to criticism from fans and bettors alike.
During an appearance on a Birmingham talk show called The Next Round, Thorne shared his experience with bettors contacting him on Venmo to request refunds. He humorously remarked that bettors always want their money back when they lose, but never offer to share their winnings with him when they win. Thorne’s lighthearted approach to the situation contrasted with the more serious response from the NCAA and other sports leagues to betting-related threats.
The NCAA, in response to the increasing number of athletes receiving messages from individuals with a betting interest, has taken steps to address the issue. Partnering with AI firm Signify, the NCAA has conducted research that sheds light on the prevalence of these threats among high-profile college athletes. As a result, some states have banned sportsbooks from offering prop bets on college athletes to mitigate potential risks.
While Thorne may be the first college football player to publicly discuss being contacted by bettors on Venmo, professional athletes have also faced similar experiences. PGA star Max Homa, a former NCAA men’s golf champion, shared his own encounters with bettors requesting money from him via Venmo on a regular basis. Homa expressed frustration with the situation, emphasizing that it can become tiresome to deal with such demands.
Overall, Thorne’s revelation highlights the intersection of sports and gambling, as well as the challenges faced by athletes in managing fan expectations and demands. The NCAA’s efforts to address betting-related threats underscore the importance of protecting athletes from potential harm and ensuring the integrity of college sports. As the conversation around sports betting continues to evolve, it remains crucial for athletes, leagues, and regulatory bodies to work together to safeguard the well-being of those involved in collegiate and professional athletics.