Duke’s Isaiah Evans Highlights Harassment Concerns From College Player Props Duke Blue Devils sophomore guard Isaiah Evans, who recently helped the team secure a victory in the ACC Tournament, has raised concerns about the growing impact of sports betting on college athletes. Evans specifically highlighted an increase in harassment linked to player prop bets, noting that athletes are receiving hostile messages from bettors. In some cases, these interactions have escalated to threats, prompting broader discussions about the role of prop betting in college sports. College athletes face unique risks when it comes to harassment tied to sports betting, largely due to their age and the environment they operate in. Many are still teenagers or in their early 20s, balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments while navigating emotional and mental development. This makes hostile messages and threats more challenging to process. Additionally, these athletes have limited access to media training, security resources, and support systems compared to professional players, leaving them more exposed to potential harm. The NCAA has responded to these concerns by launching its “Draw the Line” campaign, which aims to address abuse related to sports betting. The initiative focuses on educating fans about the consequences of their behavior and encouraging accountability when interacting with student-athletes online. It also provides resources to help athletes report harassment and take steps to protect themselves. The campaign’s goal is to shield athletes like Evans from the negative effects of angry bettors. The issues raised by Evans have intensified calls for a ban on player prop betting in college sports.#college_sports #ncaa #duke_blue_devils #isaias_evans #draw_the_line
Duke Player Calls Out Harassment From Sports Betting Fans Duke men's basketball player Isaiah Evans has spoken out about the growing issue of harassment directed at athletes by individuals involved in sports betting. During an interview with WRAL's Brian Murphy, Evans described how he and his Blue Devil teammates frequently receive messages from people who are upset about their prop bets, particularly following high-profile games like Saturday's ACC Tournament semifinal. He emphasized that such interactions are not only unhelpful but also constitute harassment. Evans highlighted that the focus on prop bets—individual wagers on specific game outcomes—has created a toxic environment for players. He noted that the constant scrutiny and criticism from fans who lose money on these bets can be mentally taxing. "It's not healthy for the sport," Evans said, adding that the attention often shifts away from the game itself and onto the players' financial decisions. The comments come amid increasing discussions about the role of sports betting in collegiate athletics. While some argue that betting adds excitement to the game, others, including Evans, warn that it can lead to negative consequences for athletes. The player's remarks underscore a broader concern about the impact of gambling culture on sports, particularly when it involves personal attacks on athletes rather than constructive engagement with the sport. Evans' statements reflect a growing sentiment among athletes who feel pressured to navigate the complexities of a sports betting landscape that often prioritizes profit over player well-being. As the conversation around gambling in sports continues to evolve, figures like Evans are bringing attention to the human cost of what some view as a lucrative industry.#sports_betting #acc_tournament #duke_university #isaias_evans #wrals_brian_murphy
