The surge in popularity of sports betting in recent years, driven by the legalization in many states, has altered the dynamic of fan-player interactions, according to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
When questioned by a reporter on Wednesday about fans calling out to him for assistance with their parlays, Tatum acknowledged the frequent barrage of shouts he receives during games, ranging from requests for more three-point shots to grabbing additional rebounds. He noted a notable shift from his early NBA days in 2017.
Despite the mixed reactions from fans, Tatum expressed empathy when he falls short of aiding them in cashing their bets. He admitted that while fans praise him for contributing positively to their parlays, they also express frustration when his on-court performance falls short of their expectations.
“I guess when you hit people’s parlays and do good for them, they tell me,” Tatum said. “But then they also talk s— if I’m on the court and I didn’t get 29.5 or whatever I was supposed to get. … I guess it’s kind of funny. I don’t know, I guess I do feel bad when I don’t hit people’s parlays. I don’t want them to lose money, but I just go out there and try to play the game.”
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As one of the NBA’s most recognizable figures, Tatum often finds himself included in numerous parlays. Nonetheless, he seems to embrace the opportunity to potentially help fans win some money, even if it means enduring occasional heckling in the process.
