NBA Coach Exposes Threats from Sports Bettors, No Legal Recourse Taken
Date: 2024-03-25 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: SPORTS BETTING
Rising Pressure in NBA
J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, has spoken out about the growing pressures stemming from the expansion of legal sports betting in the US. According to Bickerstaff, players, referees, coaches, and team personnel are all feeling the effects.
Personal Threats
Before a recent game against the Miami Heat, Bickerstaff disclosed unsettling encounters with sports bettors. He revealed receiving threatening messages targeting his family after his phone number was obtained by an angered individual. Despite reporting the incidents, no legal action has been taken against the perpetrator.
Impact on the Game
Bickerstaff expressed concerns about the impact of sports betting on the integrity of the game. He highlighted instances of heckling from bettors during games, influencing decisions to meet betting spreads or over/under lines. Despite these challenges, Bickerstaff was not fined by the NBA for his remarks.
Distraction and Pressure
While acknowledging the potential benefits of increased viewership due to sports betting, Bickerstaff emphasized the distraction it poses to players, referees, and personnel. He stressed the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the game amidst the growing influence of sports betting, cautioning against its encroachment into the core aspects of basketball.
