New Details Emerge Regarding Threats Toward $85 Million Astros All-Star
In an age where gambling and online conjecture have taken centerstage in the world of professional sports, it's not surprising that players have discussed an uptick in threats and abuse from fans.
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Strained relationships between players and the fans is nothing new, but has become a corollary of today's betting society.
2018 Most Valuable Player Christian Yelich told the AP that online abuse has gotten "worse in recent years," even saying it's a nightly occurrence for players.
'You get a lot of DMs or stuff like that about you ruining someone's bet or something ridiculous like that,' veteran Red Sox reliever Justin Wilson said. 'I guess they should make better bets.'
Two players have been hit particularly hard by this uptick: Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks and Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. celebrates a strikeout at Yankee Stadium during the 2022 ALCS.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
McCullers only made it through 1/3 innings in his start May 10th versus the Reds; his seven earned runs in that span ballooned his ERA to 15.75.
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Shortly after the game, McCullers reported he and his family received threats from fans, which was a rude awakening for his wife, Kara and five-year-old daughter, Ava.
'She asked me when I came home: 'Daddy like what is threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?'' McCullers said. 'So, those conversations are tough to deal with.'
Liam Hendriks, who survived a battle with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2023, received threats after a tough outing for the Red Sox in May, and had to speak out about it online.
The AP reported Friday that McCullers reached out to the Astros about what could be done to protect him and his family after the threats, and that owner Jim Crane hired 24-hour security for the starter's family.
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No player should ever receive threats and need to hire 24-hour security after a tough start where they were simply not themselves or outplayed by their opponent, yet here we are.
Related: Astros Suffer Major Injury Blow After Fluke Accident
Related: Giancarlo Stanton Sent Clear Message To Yankees After 'Participation Trophy' Ceremony
Related: Yankees Announce Jazz Chisholm Jr. News Before Dodgers Series
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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