Abuse rampant

A new survey has revealed almost one-third of NHL players have reported an increase in online abuse. 

death threats and other violent messages.”

According to The New York Times’ Athletic survey, the affected NHL players have described increased sports betting-linked harassment to include “death threats and other violent messages.” 

The victims out of the 161 players polled said the abuse has spiked since more states have legalized sports betting. 

The survey quoted an unnamed NHL goaltender as stating he received abuse almost daily, with 75% of the messages from bettors “being mad about something.” The player described one message as reading: ‘How did you let in that late goal? I had the under. Thanks a lot. You f—ing suck.’ 

Another unnamed player also revealed how some abuse, which he stated comes mostly from Russia, is “getting crazy.”

“You’re up 2-0 and lose, you get messages, like, ‘You f—-ing asshole, I’m gonna f—-ing kill you.’”

Stars leaving social media

The NHL survey has landed in a week in which LeBron James said he was taking a break from social media over “negative takes” and NBA star Kevin Durant hit back at criticism on X over his NFL-focused FanDuel partnership.?

According to the NHL poll, many players have decided to “unplug entirely” from social media. The survey’s author said this could explain why only under-one third of players get the abusive messages.?

Who would read these f—ing idiots?”

Many players backed up this viewpoint, with one stating he used to get abusive messages. “Who would read these f—ing idiots? I don’t anymore.” Other players chimed in with comments including: 

“That’s why I turned everything off.”

“Good thing I’m not on social media.”

“No one can find me, so I don’t know.”

Venmo hustle

The survey also highlighted how NHL players are routinely sent Venmo requests, or “demands” as one hockey star asserted. 

“’You owe me $200 because you were on the ice when …’ and it’s insane. It’s really bad when you play against Toronto because it seems like everybody is betting on Leafs games,” the player stated.

Yet another added he’s had multiple Venmo requests. “Like I kept them from hitting some parlay or something or, ‘Here’s my Venmo. Send me $100.’”