Charlie Baker, the president of the NCAA, emphasized to the Senate Judiciary Committee that banning prop bets in college sports could significantly reduce harassment and abuse experienced by student-athletes. He explained how this type of gambling enables bettors to harass athletes over individual performances, contributing to a hostile environment. According to Baker, when individuals cannot place such bets on college athletes, the likelihood of scrutiny or demands for personal performance diminishes, which is crucial for protecting their mental well-being.
Baker noted that around 10 to 15% of NCAA Division I athletes have been subjected to harassment from bettors, particularly in high-profile sports like football and basketball. He detailed stories of players, including Armando Bacot from the University of North Carolina, who faced intense backlash from gamblers over individual game statistics that hold no bearing on the overall game outcome. Baker argued this situation is unacceptable and requires legislative intervention to safeguard student-athletes.
The NCAA's call to action is a response to the troubling rise in threats facing student-athletes, as detailed by Baker, who reports that many athletes receive death threats or aggressive in-person confrontations from bettors. He revealed harrowing accounts from athletes who are approached by friends or classmates demanding favorable performances, creating a chilling atmosphere where their safety and mental health are at risk.
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