The Rise of Digital Harassment in Sports

In the digital age, athletes are not only judged by their performance on the field but also by the bets placed on them. The anonymity provided by social media platforms has emboldened fans to cross the line, sending Venmo requests and even death threats to athletes who fail to meet their expectations.

Max Homa's Experience

PGA pro Max Homa has been a frequent target of such harassment. During a particularly rough season, Homa received a vulgar rant from an Instagram user after finishing tied for fifth at the John Deere Classic. He also faced a Venmo request for $1,900 with the caption, 'Bc you can't putt under pressure.' Homa responded sharply on his Instagram story, 'Gamble like a big boy Carl and take ur lumps like the rest of us.'

Scottie Scheffler's Decision

World No. 1-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler decided to delete his Venmo account ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open due to the constant interactions with fans. 'I was either getting paid by people or people were requesting me a bunch of money when I didn't win, it wasn't a good feeling,' Scheffler said.

The Broader Impact

This issue is not confined to golf. Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, had to change his name and remove his profile picture from Venmo after fans discovered his account. Similarly, retired tennis player Mardy Fish noted a marked difference in spectator behavior due to the prevalence of sports betting.

The Role of Venmo

Venmo, designed for easy payments among friends, has inadvertently become a platform for harassment. While Venmo prohibits harassment and bans users as necessary, the social media aspect of its newsfeed encourages unwanted interactions.

The Mental Toll on Athletes

The constant harassment takes a toll on athletes' mental health. Stephen Curry's win at the 2023 ACC Golf Championship was marred by a heckler who yelled during Mardy Fish's backswing, later revealed to have bet on Curry. Such incidents highlight the growing brazenness of bettors.

Legal and Social Measures

The NCAA has taken steps to address this issue, reporting a 23% decrease in abuse related to sports betting. However, the problem persists, with athletes like Lance McCullers Jr. receiving death threats from disgruntled bettors.

Conclusion

The rise of sports betting has brought unintended consequences, including increased harassment of athletes. As fans become more invested in the outcomes of games, the line between spectator and participant blurs, leading to a troubling new reality for athletes.