TITLE: New York athletes decry ‘wild west’ atmosphere after wave of online abuse
SLUG: new-york-athletes-wild-west-online-abuse
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — A group of prominent New York sports figures says they are routinely bombarded with hateful messages on social media, calling the digital space a “wild west,” according to a report published Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.
The athletes told the New York Post they confront a steady stream of ugly, personal attacks in direct messages and public comments. They said the volume and intensity of the abuse have escalated, underscoring the ease with which anonymous users can target high-profile players.
While the stars did not specify the senders, they noted that the posts range from insults to threats, often appearing moments after games or public appearances. Several players said the harassment has affected their mental well-being and forced them to limit their time on the platforms.
The athletes’ accounts add to a growing number of complaints from public figures who say existing safeguards are insufficient to curb online harassment.
Source: New York Post
