Red Sox Star Hendriks Calls Out Disturbing Social Media Posts: A Stand Against Hate

Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks recently spoke out against harassment he faced on social media after a tough loss to the New York Mets. In an Instagram post, he shared that he received death threats directed at both him and his family, calling the comments "horrible and cruel." He urged people to reflect on their actions, stating, "Maybe you should step back and reevaluate your life’s purpose before hiding behind a screen and attacking players and their families."

Hendriks, who is 36 and a cancer survivor, has played in 11 games this season with a record of 0-1 and a 5.56 ERA. His comments follow a disturbing trend in sports where players face online abuse. Less than a month ago, Red Sox All-Star Jarren Duran reported being verbally attacked by a fan during a game, leading to the fan’s ejection. This incident occurred shortly after a Netflix documentary highlighted Duran’s struggles with mental health and a past suicide attempt.

The increased scrutiny on athletes’ well-being is essential. Research shows that over 70% of professional athletes experience mental health issues at some point in their careers. Many advocate for better support systems within teams to combat this growing problem.

As sports continue to evolve, the conversation about mental health and online harassment remains crucial. Athletes like Hendriks and Duran are bravely sharing their experiences, prompting fans and communities to consider the impact of their words. In a world where one tweet can go viral, it’s more important than ever to support players, not tear them down.

For more insights into the mental health challenges faced by athletes see NCAA research.

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