In a world where social media can amplify both praise and criticism, even college athletes like Armando Bacot are not exempt from facing intense scrutiny. Bacot, who recently helped lead the North Carolina Tar Heels into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, found himself on the receiving end of negative messages after not meeting certain betting expectations.
Following their victory over Michigan State, Bacot revealed that his DMs were flooded with messages from angry bettors who were dissatisfied with the outcome. Despite his efforts on the court, Bacot faced backlash for not hitting specific over-under numbers.
Being a student-athlete at a prestigious university like North Carolina comes with its challenges, and Bacot’s experience illustrates the impact of gambling on college sports. This issue has become significant enough for NCAA President Charlie Baker to call for the banning of individual prop bets in college sports.
“The NCAA is drawing the line on sports betting to protect student-athletes and to protect the integrity of the game,” Baker stated.
While specific incidents were not mentioned, recent high-profile cases involving professional athletes Shohei Ohtani and Jontay Porter have raised concerns about the influence of gambling on the integrity of sports. In both instances, heavy bets were placed on unders for specific player prop bets, and amazingly, they hit when the players left the games prematurely. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of players and the need for greater regulation.
Currently, only a few states allow unrestricted prop bets at the college level, with most either restricting or banning them altogether. However, as the popularity of sports betting continues to rise, so too does the need for comprehensive legislation to protect athletes from harassment and manipulation.
Unfortunately, athletes like Bacot and even coaches such as Brad Brownell of Clemson have experienced aggressive behavior and negative interactions from upset gamblers. This growing trend of harassment is a direct consequence of the increasing prevalence of legalized sports betting.
“People are extremely aggressive these days… When things obviously don’t go a bettor’s way, we get some nasty calls,” Brownell shared.
This issue extends beyond just college sports, as even NBA coaches like J.B. Bickerstaff have faced personal threats from angry gamblers. The pressure to perform and meet betting expectations can take a toll on athletes and coaches alike, making them targets for harassment.
Furthermore, players like Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers feel reduced to mere commodities, solely existing for the benefit of bettors. This sentiment reflects a disconnect between the true spirit of sports and its commercialization through gambling.
“To half the world, I’m just helping them make money on DraftKings or whatever,” Haliburton candidly expressed.
While NCAA President Baker’s call to ban college prop bets is a step in the right direction, the road to significant change will not be easy. It requires collaboration at both the state and federal levels to establish comprehensive regulations that prioritize the well-being of student-athletes and the integrity of sports.
As the NCAA tournament progresses, it remains to be seen whether the backlash faced by players like Bacot will subside. However, their experiences shed light on the urgent need for safeguards against harassment and the exploitation of athletes due to sports betting.
Looking ahead, the future of sports betting brings forth important questions regarding the proper balance between commercial interests and the welfare of athletes. Striking this balance will require ongoing dialogue, informed decision-making, and proactive measures to protect the integrity of sports.