A recent surge in sports betting has led to negative consequences for some Giants players, who have been subjected to abusive messages from disgruntled gamblers when their bets don’t pay off. Relief pitcher Tyler Rogers revealed during an exclusive interview with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that he had to change his Venmo settings to private after fans would request money from him following a bad game that led to a lost wager.
Third baseman Matt Chapman also shared that he has faced harassment from angry gamblers, noting that the level of anger from fans has increased significantly due to the money they have wagered on games. Fans used to make normal comments like ‘You’re a bum,’ but now they demand money via Venmo.
Veteran Logan Webb, in his sixth MLB season, has observed a rise in vitriol from upset fans regarding lost bets since he debuted in 2019. Webb explained that the combination of passionate team loyalty and betting has intensified the reactions from fans. Initially, the criticism from fans was more about performance, but now it includes financial losses from gambling.
By speaking out about their experiences, players hope to address and potentially reduce this kind of harassment in the future. It is crucial for athletes to feel supported and protected from abusive behavior, especially when it extends beyond on-field performance and into personal finances. The Giants Talk Podcast can be downloaded and followed for more insights and discussions on this issue.
