In an alarming statement posted on social media, Katia Lindor, wife of New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, revealed that she has received death threats because of her husband’s performance on the field. “Frustration is valid. Dehumanization is not. Let’s be better,” she wrote on her Instagram account
However, this is not an isolated case, as unfortunately threats to players are common in both baseball and the sports world in general. In the past, players such as Bryce Harper were booed in their early days as millionaire stars, and others such as Joey Gallo opted to delete their social networks in the face of harassment. Now, the pressure is not only on the players but also on their families, who often end up being the target of the irrational hatred of some fans.
Katia Lindor‘s revelation has sparked a wave of reactions, including from former players, journalists and fans who are calling for an urgent change in the way the sport is experienced.
I’m quick to defend the underdog, not so much the privileged, for obvious reasons… I’ve received death threats over my husband’s performance on the field… Frustration is valid. Dehumanization is not. Let’s be better
Eric Thames criticizes fan culture in New York and Philadelphia
One of the first to speak out was former Major League Baseball player Eric Thames, who compared his experience as a player with the Milwaukee Brewers with the hostility experienced in places such as New York and Philadelphia.
That place (Milwaukee) and the atmosphere there is second to none… People just want to have fun and see a good game… It’s not like in Philadelphia or New York, where you get death threats
Sports betting, a problem that needs to be regulated
Thames’ words highlight the problem that is becoming increasingly evident and worrying, as the disrespect of fans towards players. What used to be simple boos or complaints, today is transformed into digital harassment, verbal violence and even threats. Threats that generally remain just that, however, it is still a serious issue that deserves a thorough review by the relevant authorities.
This phenomenon has led MLB to begin investigating the role of sports betting in the increase in assaults on players. Officials believe that many of these attacks come from frustrated bettors who, rather than following their teams, are betting money and demanding results with violence.
Read the full article here
