Bookies ban punter over ‘appalling’ abuse of Roosters star after lost bet
Bookmakers have shut down the account of an individual responsible for “appalling” abuse aimed at Roosters veteran Josh Morris, who was called a “dog c—” and threatened by a punter who said he would wait for him outside Campbelltown Stadium because of a losing bet.
Morris re-posted a private Instagram message from a disgruntled bettor, who said “you won’t know what hit ya (sic)” after Trent Robinson’s side smashed the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Josh Morris was targeted by a disgruntled punter on social media after the Roosters’ win on Sunday.Credit:Instagram, Getty
Bookmakers offer individual performance markets for all matches, including for a player to score a try.
Morris didn’t cross the line in the seven-tries-to-one rout as his twin brother Brett (three) and James Tedesco (two) ran amok.
Morris re-posted the private message on his Instagram page on Sunday night. The NRL plans to speak with the 34-year-old on Monday morning.
Responsible Wagering Australia last year said bookmakers would ban any person from their platforms found to be abusing athletes via social media. The Sydney Morning Herald has been told several have already suspended the account of the individual involved.
“This is yet another example of the appalling behaviour our members are subjected to,” Rugby League Players Association chief operating officer Tim Lythe said.
“It’s really sad that people feel that it is acceptable to abuse others in such a way. No person, not just NRL players, should be the subject of such abuse. It is entirely unacceptable.
“We commend Josh on calling this incident out and the other players who continue to make a stand. Online abuse and bullying is an issue we need to confront collectively – as a game and more broadly in society.”
The RLPA has offered support to Morris.
The trolling of professional athletes over gambling losses was discussed at a recent conference of the Australian Athletes Alliance.
Morris’ stand comes after other NRL players raised the issue, preferring to name and shame culprits in the public arena.
Brett Morris is the first player in top-grade history to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the opening two rounds of the season, but it was soured by the online abuse of his brother.
Australia and NSW flyer Josh Addo-Carr posed for a photo last week in which he held up a hand-made sign saying: “We don’t care about your multi”. It received dozens of supportive comments from fellow players and fans.
Addo-Carr starred in Melbourne’s season-opening 26-18 win against the Rabbitohs, but didn’t score a try.
Sport newsletter
Sports news, results and expert commentary delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article