Liam Hendriks, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, recently took to social media to share his outrage over receiving death threats, along with his family, following a game against the New York Mets. In an Instagram post, the 36-year-old Australian athlete, who has previously battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma, condemned the disturbing comments directed towards him and his loved ones. He expressed his disgust at the “disgusting and vile” nature of the threats, calling out the perpetrators for their cruel and harmful behavior.
Hendriks, who has appeared in 11 MLB games this season, relieved starter Garrett Crochet during the Red Sox’s 5-1 loss to the Mets at Fenway Park in Boston. Despite finishing the inning, he faced criticism for giving up three consecutive singles in the following inning. In his Instagram post, Hendriks urged the individuals responsible for the threats to reflect on their actions and reconsider their priorities before attacking players and their families online. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the negative impact of cyberbullying in the sports industry, highlighting the need for greater accountability and respect in online interactions.
The situation involving Hendriks is not an isolated incident, as it comes on the heels of a similar experience reported by Red Sox All-Star left fielder Jarren Duran, who faced inappropriate comments from a fan during a game against the Guardians. The prevalence of such behavior underscores the challenges faced by professional athletes in dealing with online harassment and abuse. Hendriks’ decision to speak out against the threats serves as a powerful statement against cyberbullying, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the sports community. As the MLB continues to address issues of player safety and mental health, it is essential for fans and followers to recognize the impact of their words and actions on the individuals they target, both on and off the field.