Threats to McCullers: Drunk foreign gambler after the incident

Threats to Lance McCullers Jr. by Drunk Gambler

A drunken gambler, located abroad, was responsible for the social media threats made last month to Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family, according to the Houston Police Department. A spokesperson for the Houston Police Department declined to identify the suspect or his location and noted that no charges have been filed. The spokesperson indicated that the man admitted to betting on an Astros game, losing money, and being frustrated and intoxicated when he sent the threats to McCullers. The man apologized and requested that his apology be conveyed to McCullers and his family, according to the spokesperson. The case remains open while charges are considered. McCullers revealed that the threats, which included “finding my children and murdering them,” were sent after his start against the Cincinnati Reds on May 10.

In his second game since his return after nearly two and a half years of absence due to arm surgery, McCullers allowed seven runs in the first inning.

I understand that people are very passionate and love the Astros and love the sport, but threatening to find my children and kill them is a bit difficult to handle.
Lance McCullers Jr.

McCullers explained that his 5-year-old daughter overheard his wife, Kara, talking about the threats on the phone.

She asked me when I got home: ‘Daddy, what are threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?’
Lance McCullers Jr.

The Astros hired 24-hour security for McCullers’ family after the threats. Several MLB players commented that they have seen an increase in online threats in recent years, as legal sports betting spreads across the country.