Social media and gambling have made death threats routine for college athletes

I was heckled during my time as a college player in the late 1990s. But young athletes today must endure an ocean of bile from all areas of the internet

Throughout this year's men's and women's NCAA Tournaments, athletes have reported receiving death threats on social media. After LSU's loss to Iowa last week, an emotional Angel Reese said she has been receiving such threats since winning the national title in 2023. Days later, Iowa's Gabbie Marshall deleted her social media altogether due to threats hurled her way after she drew a game-clinching foul against UConn in the Final Four.

On the men's side, Purdue's Carson Barrett hit a three-pointer at the end of his team's victory over Grambling State. That bucket appeared to have affected the betting outcome for people who had gambled on Purdue's margin of victory. Barrett's reward? A direct message on Instagram that told him to slit you throat" for taking that three". The sender ended the message by telling Carter I hope you kill yourself."