CLEVELAND – Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff revealed he received threats from gamblers last season and reported it to the NBA.
Speaking before the Cavs game against Miami, Bickerstaff said gamblers got his telephone number and sent him “crazy messages about where I live and my kids and all that stuff.”
Bickerstaff said he told security and that the gambler was located.
With sports gambling growing in the U.S., Bickerstaff, who is in his fourth full season with the Cavaliers, said his job has become more challenging.
He said more should be done to protect players, coaches and others in the game.
Heat 107, Cavs 104
Terry Rozier scored nine points in the final 1:24, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 14.5 seconds on the clock, lifting the Miami Heat to a 107-104 victory over the Cavaliers.
Rozier converted a 4-point play before sinking a 26 footer that gave Miami a 105-102 lead.
After Georges Niang made two free throws for the Cavaliers, Rozier followed with two of his own with 2.8 seconds remaining.
Jimmy Butler scored 30 points and Rozier finished with 24.
Jarrett Allen had 25 points and 20 rebounds for the Cavaliers.