NBA coach says he was threatened by gamblers, says sports betting 'brings a distraction to the game'

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Tyrese Haliburton is not the only NBA player who has been negatively affected by gambling.

The Indiana Pacers star said on Tuesday that his social media mentions are flooded with those who lost a bet because of him.

Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he actually had to get authorities involved after he received threats from gamblers.

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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff yells instructions to players in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

"They got my telephone number and were sending me crazy messages about where I live and my kids and all that stuff," Bickerstaff said on Wednesday.

The coach also said that the increase in gambling has created a separate rooting interest, leading to "added pressure."

"It brings a distraction to the game that can be difficult for players, coaches, referees, everybody that's involved in it," he said. "And I think that we really have to be careful with how close we let it get to the game and the security of the people who are involved in it. Because again, it does carry a weight. A lot of times, the people who are gambling like this money pays their light bill or pay their rent, and then the emotions that come from that. So I do think we're walking a very fine line, and we have to be extremely careful in protecting everybody who's involved."

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the Cleveland Cavaliers bench have words with crew chief Brian Forte after a foul was called against the team during the second half of their game against the