Sports betting remains in the eye of the NBA hurricane and the latest testimony has put more salt in the wound. Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff revealed that last season he received threats over the phone from bettors.
“Some of those sports bettors got my phone number and sent me text messages about where I live, my kids and all that. This is a dangerous game and it is a fine line we are walking, without a doubt,” Bickerstaff warned in a press conference before the game between the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.
“It puts extra pressure and a distraction on the sport that can be difficult for players, coaches, referees and everyone involved. And I think we have to be very careful about how closely we let (the world of betting) get into it.” this sport and with everyone’s safety. Many times people who bet, that money pays their electricity bill or their rent and the emotions come from that. So I think we are walking a very fine line and we have to be extremely careful protecting everyone,” he added.
We are walking a very fine line and we have to be very careful
The Cavaliers coach went further and explained a very illuminating example of how the world of betting interferes with his work. Because fans can bet live on their phones or in the arena (the Cavs have a sportsbook inside Rocket Mortage FieldHouse), Bickerstaff said the line between betting and the game has never been closer: ” There’s no doubt the line has been crossed. The number of times we’re 10-point ahead and people are yelling at me to hold on to get to 11 is ridiculous. “I understand the commercial aspect and the nature of the business, but I think it has gone too far.”
Just ten days ago, the NBA announced a fine of $100,000 to Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) for “directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture at a referee and publicly criticizing the refereeing”, a controversy that also had sports betting in the background.
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2024-03-21 09:53:59
