Former Panthers Player Reacts After Being Cursed on Social Media, Strongly Condemns Illegal Betting Behavior
Charlotte, North Carolina, November 7, 2025
Former Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano has shocked the NFL community after opening up about the disturbing wave of online abuse he has faced for years, especially since sports betting became legal across much of the United States.
😡 “Every week someone tells me to kill myself,” Gano painfully reveals
During an interview in the New York Giants locker room on November 6, the 38-year-old veteran spoke candidly about the hundreds of hateful messages he receives from angry bettors every week.
“I make a kick, they lose money. I miss a kick, they lose money,” Gano said. “Every week I get messages telling me to kill myself. Someone even told me to get cancer and die. After all these years, I’ve gotten used to it, but no one should have to hear that.”
Gano, who played six seasons for the Panthers (2012–2018) and now in his 16th NFL season, admitted that social media has made the situation worse.
⚠️ “Social media makes everything worse,” A warning for younger players
Gano explained that early in his career, those toxic comments used to affect him deeply, but over time, he learned to block them out. However, he fears that younger athletes might not be as mentally prepared to handle such abuse.
“I’ve been playing since before social media existed, so I’ve seen how things have changed. It’s tough for younger players if they actually read that stuff.”
A 2024 NCAA study, reported by ESPN, supports Gano’s concerns, revealing that angry sports bettors are among the top sources of harassment toward college athletes.
💬 Condemning illegal and toxic betting behavior
While sports betting became legal in North Carolina in March 2024, with more than 6.6 billion dollars wagered during the 2025 fiscal year, Gano believes that the dark side of gambling culture must be addressed and controlled.
“No one deserves to be told awful things just because of a missed kick,” he said firmly. “I’m not against fans, I’m against the inhumane, even illegal behavior that’s poisoning the game.”
🕯️ A message beyond football
Before ending his interview, Gano said he refuses to stay silent, knowing how dangerous words can be to a player’s mental health.
“I’ve been hurt by those comments before. Now, I just want people to understand, football is a game of emotion, not a place to dump your anger.”
His story is spreading rapidly across social media, as both Panthers and Giants fans rally around him, urging the NFL to take stronger action against betting-related abuse and to protect players’ mental health.
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