Threats Against Players and Their Families
HOUSTON (AP) — Following a rough outing, Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family began receiving death threats online. His 5-year-old daughter, Ava, overheard a conversation between her mother, Kara, regarding these threats, leading to a difficult discussion between McCullers and his daughter.
“She asked me when I came home: ‘Daddy, what are threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?’” McCullers shared with The Associated Press. “These conversations are tough to handle.”
Rising Abuse in Major League Baseball
McCullers isn’t alone—two MLB pitchers have faced online death threats this month, reflecting a troubling trend of digital harassment towards players and their families. In the wake of these incidents, Boston reliever Liam Hendriks spoke out on social media to condemn threats directed towards his wife and to highlight the malicious comments aimed at him.
Protective Measures Taken
In response to the threats against McCullers, the Astros reached out to MLB security and the Houston Police Department, which is currently investigating the situation. As a precaution, Astros owner Jim Crane arranged for round-the-clock security for McCullers’ family, a decision McCullers deemed necessary following the chilling events.
Surge in Online Abuse Linked to Sports Betting
Players across the league have noted an increase in such online harassment, often attributed to the rise in legalized sports gambling. Veteran players like Christian Yelich have remarked that receiving malicious messages has become a daily occurrence. He stated, “Over the last few years, it’s definitely increased. It’s now part of the reality for us.”
Steps by MLB Teams
Both the Astros and the Red Sox are collaborating with MLB security to address these threats. Red Sox spokesperson Abby Murphy indicated that they have taken preventive measures, including positioning security staff and police in the family sections during games to ensure safety. Despite challenges in tracking anonymous online threats, both teams are committed to finding and eliminating persistent offenders on social media.
The Emotional Impact on Players
For some players, the harassment has led them to abandon social media entirely. McCullers, who described the recent experiences as the most distressing of his career, emphasized that while criticism is part of the game, threats cross a moral line. He noted, “People should want us to succeed, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our families’ safety.”
A Call for Change in the Culture of Sports
Players are increasingly vocal about the unacceptable nature of online abuse. Hendriks declared, “Enough is enough,” expressing the need for greater accountability and visibility about the issue to effect change. As players and organizations strive to combat this growing problem, the focus remains on ensuring a safer environment for athletes and their families.
