Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald has revealed shocking NSFW death threats that he received over gambling, shedding light on the dark side of sports betting in professional baseball.
In an interview with ESPN, Sewald opened up about the disturbing messages he received after a rough outing on the mound. The 31-year-old reliever shared screenshots of the threats, which included graphic language and explicit threats on his life.
“It’s really unsettling to receive messages like that,” Sewald said. “I know that sports betting can bring out the worst in some people, but this was beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Sewald explained that he has always been aware of the risks associated with sports betting, especially in a high-stakes environment like professional baseball. However, he never expected to be the target of such violent threats over a game.
“I love what I do, and I understand that fans are passionate about their teams and their bets,” Sewald said. “But there is no excuse for threatening someone’s life over a sporting event. It’s completely unacceptable.”
The Diamondbacks organization released a statement in support of Sewald, condemning the threatening messages and calling for an end to such behavior in sports.
“We stand behind Paul Sewald and all of our players in the face of these despicable threats,” the statement read. “We urge all fans to remember that athletes are human beings, and no game is worth risking someone’s safety.”
Sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of dollars being wagered on professional baseball games every season. While most fans enjoy betting as a form of entertainment, incidents like Sewald’s serve as a stark reminder of the dark side of gambling.
Sewald hopes that by sharing his experience, he can raise awareness about the dangers of sports betting and the need for greater respect and empathy in the world of professional sports.
“I want to use this platform to speak out against this kind of behavior,” Sewald said. “It’s not just about me; it’s about creating a safer and more respectful environment for all athletes.”
As he continues to receive support from fans, teammates, and the baseball community, Sewald remains focused on his performance on the field and his commitment to the game he loves. And while the threats may have rattled him, they have not shaken his resolve to compete at the highest level.
“I won’t let this incident define me,” Sewald said. “I will continue to work hard, play my best, and strive to be a positive role model for young athletes everywhere.”