Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has revealed that he received threats from sports gamblers last year, highlighting the dangers and negative impact of the industry.
Bickerstaff expressed concern about the growing influence of sports gambling, stating that it has become a dangerous game with potentially severe consequences.
The coach revealed that individuals obtained his telephone number and sent him intimidating messages about his personal life and family.
Crazy. pic.twitter.com/nmCUV70X5T
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) March 21, 2024
Bickerstaff reported the threats to the NBA, although no charges were filed.
He emphasized the increased pressure and distractions brought by sports gambling, which can affect players, coaches, and referees alike.
Bickerstaff highlighted the need to protect everyone involved and be cautious about the proximity of gambling to the game itself.
He also pointed out how the line between gambling and the game has blurred, especially with the convenience of mobile betting apps available to fans inside the arena.
Bickerstaff criticized the influence of gambling on the game, sharing instances where fans demanded specific actions to cover the betting spreads.
The coach stressed that the situation has gone too far, impacting the integrity of the game. These concerns were echoed by Minnesota center Rudy Gobert, who argued that gambling is negatively affecting basketball.
Following a gesture implying that gambling was influencing referee calls, Gobert was fined $100,000.
The prevalence and consequences of sports gambling in professional basketball raise important questions about its regulation and impact on the sport.
Fans reacted as follows.
Greed, really that simple
— Chris DeMarco (@DeMarco575) March 21, 2024
Can't Stop 🛑 it …
You can only hope to contain it 🧯 🔥 🔥 🔥— M🏀nsterTripDubber (@chuck_manz) March 21, 2024
Wow. He’s talking about being terrorized and intimidated. This shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether it’s widespread or not, the NBA has a responsibility to address this.
— Jay K (@CalhounCoachK) March 21, 2024
Almost like the NBA is corrupt. Having gambling partners was such a bone headed move by Silver
— AllBuizzness (@EducatedSportz) March 21, 2024
Sadly I think all this sports betting is going to ruin sports. We will reach a point we won’t know what’s legit and isn’t when it comes to game outcomes. Wait till folks start getting family members kidnapped or assaulted to convince them to throw games. This can get really bad.
— Chubs1889 (@chubs1889) March 21, 2024
Take betting out of sports
— jaylen W (@jaylenw39127750) March 21, 2024
Ahh this is sad. And terrible.
— King Bernard (@GirlDadGrayHair) March 21, 2024
This is insane
— Chris Peso (@chillbutvibrant) March 21, 2024
This is the reason why sports stayed away from this for over 100 years. Now that Greed has made them get in bed with these gambling sites, it is going to destroy them eventually.
“Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it”. (Black Sox scandal 1919).
— Kevin Martorelli (@baseballisnutz) March 21, 2024
he's gone from NBA. Adam Silver wont happy with this comment
— OG out of season. I've told ya? (@90knicksforlyfe) March 21, 2024
PROTECT SPORTS ATHLETE FROM SPORTSBOOKIE PREDATOR
— OG out of season. I've told ya? (@90knicksforlyfe) March 21, 2024
They are just creating a generation of degenerate gamblers…..
— Brooklyn Kid 718 (@BigLdaGod) March 21, 2024
What did the elites who run the sports world think was going to happen? Of course a bunch of absolute degenerates in a day and age where they can access information faster than ever would do this shit. People doxx everyone, coaches and players are above that? Naaa
— The Knickerbocker Show (@TKBS1946) March 21, 2024
