A man has been permanently banned from using FanDuel after he verbally harassed Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas during a recent track event in Philadelphia. The individual reportedly heckled Thomas at the starting line, then later posted a video boasting about how his actions may have affected her performance—allowing him to win a bet.
Thomas, a decorated athlete and Olympic medalist, responded on social media, sharing that the heckler followed her around the venue and directed aggressive comments at her, even in the presence of young fans. While she acknowledged that athletes sometimes face heckling, she drew the line at being followed and personally targeted.
FanDuel issued a statement condemning the behavior and confirming that the person responsible would no longer be allowed to use their platform. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting athletes and maintaining integrity in sports betting.
The event organizers, Grand Slam Track, also said they are investigating the incident and reviewing security protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. They expressed support for Thomas and reiterated their stance on creating a respectful environment for athletes and spectators alike.
The situation has reignited conversations around the impact of sports betting on athlete well-being, especially as social media makes it easier for bettors to directly engage—sometimes harmfully—with competitors.
