Russell Westbrook and the Dark Side of Sports Betting: Threats to Families
Nina Westbrook, wife of Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook, has bravely brought to light a disturbing trend: the escalating wave of hateful and threatening messages directed at players and their families following games. This surge in vitriol is increasingly linked to the growing prevalence of sports betting.
In a recent Instagram story, Nina Westbrook shared a screenshot of a particularly vile email she received after her husband’s performance in a Kings game against the Orlando Magic. The email, filled with expletives, wished death upon both her and Russell, stating, “I hope you both die in a car crash dumb b—-.” While The Athletic couldn’t independently verify the email’s authenticity, the incident sparked a crucial conversation about the dark side of modern sports fandom.
The Link Between Sports Betting and Online Abuse
Nina Westbrook directly connected the hostility to the expansion of sports betting, noting that such threats have become “routine” for her and her husband. “The negative effects of sports betting. Brings out the worst in people smh,” she wrote. Her experience isn’t isolated. She explained that she is sharing this now because she is “growing increasingly concerned for athletes,” drawing on her professional background as a licensed marriage and family therapist.
This isn’t just about a bad game; it’s about the emotional and psychological toll on athletes and their loved ones. The pressure to perform is already immense, but the added layer of personal threats fueled by financial losses is deeply concerning. The issue extends beyond Russell Westbrook, with numerous athletes across various sports reporting similar experiences.
A Growing Problem Across Sports
Players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks have previously revealed they regularly receive threats and comments wishing them injury, alongside racial attacks. Often, these messages go unreported to the NBA due to their sheer volume or a desire to avoid escalating the situation. The problem isn’t confined to the professional level either.
A recent NCAA survey in October found that 36% of Division I men’s basketball players experienced online abuse related to sports betting in 2025. This data, collected from 6,800 student-athletes across 163 schools, underscores the widespread nature of the issue. The survey highlights the need for increased awareness and preventative measures.
Nina Westbrook acknowledged she doesn’t have “all the answers,” but firmly believes that postgame threats are “proven to be one of the early results of amped up sports betting.” The Kings and the NBA have yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident.
This situation demands attention and action. Protecting athletes and their families from online harassment and threats is paramount. The sports world, betting platforms, and law enforcement agencies must work together to address this growing problem and ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.
Further Reading: For more information on the impact of sports betting, consider exploring resources from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
