An intoxicated bettor located overseas was behind social media threats directed last month at Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family, according to Houston police.

Lance McCullers received messages threatening his family after one of his starts. Police have determined it was an international bettor.

As sports betting becomes increasingly ubiquitous in the U.S., athletes are reckoning with its darker side: being subjected to online harassment and verbal abuse. The harassment against sports stars and their families ranges from simple name-calling to death threats, and many are saying this behavior crosses a line.

Overseas sports bettor confirmed he had made the threat while drunk and after losing money gambling on the game.

Can you imagine how far things have gone after the Houston Astros lost by 13-9 against the Cincinnati Reds? The post Culprit Behind Death Threats to $85M Astros Star’s 5YO Daughter Identified by Police Days After Security Hire appeared first on EssentiallySports.