Social media and gambling have made death threats routine for college athletes

Angel Reese says she has received death threats since winning the national title with LSU last year. Photograph: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Throughout this year’s men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, athletes have reported receiving death threats on social media. After LSU’s loss to Iowa last week, an emotional Angel Reese said she has been receiving such threats since winning the national title in 2023. Days later, Iowa’s Gabbie Marshall deleted her social media altogether due to threats hurled her way after she drew a game-clinching foul against UConn in the Final Four.