Liam Hendriks, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and a cancer survivor, has voiced his outrage over receiving “disgusting and vile” death threats aimed at him and his wife. The reliever recently returned from a lengthy injury absence, having pitched 11 times this season with a below-average ERA of 5.56. During a game against the New York Mets, he struggled, allowing three runs in just 2/3 of an inning, which seems to have triggered these hostile responses on social media.
In an emotional Instagram post, Hendriks condemned the threats, stating, “Threats against my life and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel.” He further criticized comments regarding his cancer battle, calling them likewise “disgusting and vile.” Hendriks declared, “Enough is enough,” advocating for a collective response against such behavior.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora also shared that he has encountered similar threats in his career, emphasizing the need for responsibility among fans, particularly in the context of sports betting. Cora acknowledged the growing issue of fans taking players’ performances personally, linking the rise in sports gambling to the intensification of negative comments.
Hendriks highlighted the disturbing trend of online harassment linked to sports wagering, where some fans react harshly when their bets are negatively impacted, even making threats about death or violence based on performance. He noted, “This is deplorable and there needs to be some sort of punishment so that people can think twice before doing this.”
Previously, Hendriks faced his own health struggles, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and subsequent Tommy John surgery. He was signed by the Red Sox while he was still rehabilitating, showcasing the team’s support for him during a challenging time.
The public outcry against such hateful actions serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and accountability in the world of sports. As discussions continue to highlight these issues, there is hope for improved awareness and action against online bullying and harassment within the sports community.