A recent survey conducted among NHL players has revealed a concerning trend of increased online abuse, with almost one-third of the 161 players polled reporting a rise in harassment. This abuse includes death threats and other violent messages, particularly linked to sports betting. The victims of this abuse stated that the incidents have escalated as more states have legalized sports betting.
One NHL goaltender shared that he receives abuse almost daily, with 75% of the messages coming from disgruntled bettors expressing anger over game outcomes. One message he received read, ‘How did you let in that late goal? I had the under. Thanks a lot. You f—ing suck.’ Another player mentioned that the abuse, mostly originating from Russia, has become increasingly intense, with threatening messages being sent after games.
In light of this survey, it was noted that some NHL players have opted to disconnect from social media entirely to avoid the negativity. This decision is not uncommon, as many players have expressed a desire to shield themselves from abusive messages. Some players have even questioned the value of engaging with social media, with one player stating, “Who would read these f—ing idiots? I don’t anymore.”
The survey also shed light on another form of harassment faced by NHL players – receiving Venmo requests from fans who claim they lost bets due to the player’s performance. One player shared his experience of being demanded money on Venmo because he was on the ice during a specific game, highlighting the pressure players face from fans who are heavily invested in sports betting.
Overall, the survey paints a troubling picture of the online abuse faced by NHL players, with the rise of sports betting being a significant factor in the escalation of harassment. The decision of some players to disconnect from social media underscores the need for better measures to protect athletes from online abuse and harassment in the digital age.