Threats to Lance McCullers Jr. Highlight Rise in Online Abuse of MLB Players
After a difficult start to the season, the family of Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. received death threats online. The incident sparked a painful conversation with his five-year-old daughter, Ava, who questioned the situation. McCullers expressed the difficulty of addressing these issues with his daughter.
McCullers is not the only one. Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks also reported threats directed at his wife. Both cases reflect a worrying increase in online abuse against players and their families. The Astros contacted MLB security and the Houston Police Department, which is maintaining an ongoing investigation. Faced with threats, McCullers hired security for his family. League players agree that online abuse has worsened in recent years. Christian Yelich, a veteran with 13 years in MLB, describes online abuse as “something every night.” Many players believe that the increase in legal sports betting is directly related to this problem.She asked me when I got home: ‘Daddy, what are threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?’
Lance McCullers Jr.
Red Sox reliever Justin Wilson commented on the messages he receives for supposedly ruining bets. Hendriks, who previously underwent treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also received threats on Instagram, including comments about his health. Hendriks emphasized the need to take action in the face of this situation.
Both the Astros and the Red Sox are collaborating with MLB security to take action against social media users who threaten players and their families. The Red Sox have implemented security measures to protect families during games. Identifying the authors of anonymous threats is difficult, but both the Red Sox and MLB have cyber programs to identify and eliminate these accounts.Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene left social media due to messages he was receiving about failed bets. McCullers, who returned this year after two seasons injured, considers this to be the worst thing that has happened to him in his career. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his outrage and stated that the team offers mental health support to the players.
MLB veteran Salvador Perez was also dismayed by what happened to McCullers. McCullers admitted that the situation has changed his perspective. Although most players have experienced some form of online abuse, there is no clear solution to stop it. Mike Tauchman of the Chicago White Sox laments the deterioration of the situation and the lack of consequences.
