Anthony Grant delivered an emotional speech in his postgame press conference. Dayton players were the target of hate online from losing gamblers after the game Friday vs. VCU. pic.twitter.com/l0XgKE8Vsa
— David Jablonski (@DavidPJablonski) January 18, 2023
Sports writer Tom Archdeacon also wrote about the hateful messages received by players and school officials.
The story saw national traction this week with coverage across the U.S.
Yahoo! Sports: “Dayton coach Anthony Grant didn’t hold back Tuesday night.”
Sports Illustrated: “Few sports figures have pushed back as strongly against gambling’s incursion as Dayton men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant did Tuesday night.”
Awful Announcing: Earlier this week, Dayton Flyers basketball head coach Anthony Grant blasted angry gamblers who have targeted his players with online attacks during the team’s disappointing 3-12 start. And soon, there might be some real consequences for those sorts of antics.”
Readers overwhelmingly defended Grant’s emotional speech in the comments section of several of our social media posts.
Here is a sample of what readers said:
“Coach, thanks for speaking up on behalf of your players and the vast majority of the great UD fans! Go Flyers.” - Eileen Austria
“I say, if any of these bettors/critics are season ticket holders, give them one warning, then ban them from holding season tickets.” - Karen Schweller
“Did you all forget that he just lost his daughter this past summer due to struggles with mental health issues? That’s why he is emotional about this topic. If you can’t handle losing some money, you shouldn’t be gambling in the first place.” - Tamera
“Most college athletes never go to the pros. They are young and vulnerable. They don’t need gamblers on their backs.” - David Wald
“Good for him sticking up for these young men while attending a school and spending hours on the basketball court away from there families traveling all over the country for UD fans! Don’t make it harder on them then it already is.” - Emily Kurtz Bechtel
“Coach Grant you are a wise and caring coach.” - Cathy Lombard Aviles
“Clowns making threats like these aren’t fans, they’re idiots. We all want these kids to do well; them getting paid doesn’t grant a license to threaten them over a bad performance.” - Paul Wagner
“He’s alluding to the issues tied to fans and gambling but that’s not all he’s talking about when it comes to fans and the player’s mental health. We’ll save that convo for another day. Well said coach.” - Brooks Hall
“Hit close to home with his late daughter Jayda … I long for Coach Grant to succeed with every fiber of my being. Who wouldn’t entrust their son to him? Let’s make noise in March!” - Teezog
“Coach is a stand up guy and one of the classiest. Even if we get frustrated at times w outcomes which I am guilty of u never question his integrity. To even have to address this is ridiculous.” - Mike Gromosiak
“Nothing but respect for coach Grant.” - George Proffitt
“So true. This gaming situation has made some people out of control. It will only get worse as some will go deeper in debt and ruin lives. It’s not on the athletes it’s on them that choose to gamble. - Jr Pag
“Thanks coach for speaking out. This is horrific.” - Maureen Martindale
“This is 1 reason why we love & respect you Coach Grant.” - Michael Sheridan
“Losing your bets and attacking college students from behind a screen? Cmon now. Re-evaluate your priorities is right.. well said Coach!!” - J Wrenn
“Such attacks on college students playing a game are unconscionable. Good on Coach Grant for calling it out. Sadly, however, I believe the problem will not abate any time soon.” - Dave Salisbury
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