Cavaliers Coach JB Bickerstaff: Sports Betting Has “Gone Too Far” with Threats from Gamblers

Mar 21, 2024, 10:04 ET

Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said betting on sporting events has “gone too far” and he reported to the NBA that gamblers threatened him. “It’s a dangerous game,” he said.

The coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, JB Bickerstaff revealed that he received threats from gamblers last season and reported him to the NBA.

While asked Wednesday night about sports betting following comments made by Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, who said he sometimes feels like a “prop,” Bickerstaff said bettors reached out to him .

Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff revealed that he received threats from gamblers last season. David Liam Kyle/NBAE/Getty Images

“They got my phone number and they were sending me crazy messages about where I live and my kids and all that,” Bickerstaff said before the Cavs’ game against the Miami Heat. “So it’s a dangerous game and a very fine line we’re walking.”

Bickerstaff said he informed security what happened and they located the gambler.

“No charges,” he said. Bickerstaff. “But they found him.”

With the growth of sports betting in the United States, Bickerstaffwho is in his fourth full season with the Cavaliers, said his job has become more challenging.

“This puts additional pressure,” he said. “It brings a distraction to the game that can be difficult for players, coaches, referees and everyone involved. And I think we really have to be careful about how close we let it get to the game and the safety of the people who are involved in it.” .

“Because, again, it has a weight. A lot of times people who play with money like that pay the electric bill or the rent, and then the emotions that come from that. So I think we’re walking a very fine line and we have to be extremely careful to protect everyone involved.”

Because fans can bet on their phones at the arena (the Cavs have a sportsbook inside Rocket Mortage FieldHouse), Bickerstaff said the line between gambling and betting has never been closer.

“There is no doubt that the line has been crossed,” he said Bickerstaff. “The number of times I’m there and we can have a 10-point lead and the difference is 11 and people yell at me to leave the players. [en el partido] so we can cover the difference, it’s ridiculous.

“But, again, I understand the business aspect and the nature of the business. But I mean, it’s something that I think has gone too far.”

2024-03-21 15:04:00
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