Earlier this month, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) released results of a months-long study analyzing the online harassment of college athletes. The investigation was a pilot study based on online comments made about athletes competing in Division I national title competitions and tournaments across seven sports: baseball, softball, FBS football, FCS football, basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball. This included contests such as the College Football National Championship, March Madness and the College World Series. The findings of the study showed that the both male and female athletes, coaches, officials, and team accounts observed had experienced 16 different types of harassment, ranging from accusations of doping to racism and homophobia.
“Angry bettors” perpetuate harassment in NCAA
