During a recent interview, Jayson Tatum, guard for the Boston Celtics, expressed empathy for fans who lose money on their sports parlays. Tatum admitted that he does feel bad when he doesn’t meet fans’ expectations and they end up losing money. He shared these thoughts during the Celtics’ shootaround, acknowledging the pressure that comes with fans betting on his performance.
Tatum mentioned that fans often vocalize their expectations during games, shouting out suggestions for him to score more points, get more rebounds, or reach certain statistical milestones. He explained that fans are quick to remind him of their parlays and the stakes involved in their bets. This added layer of pressure can be challenging for players like Tatum, but it also adds an element of connection between athletes and fans.
Despite the occasional backlash from fans when they don’t win their parlays, Tatum finds humor in the situation. He mentioned that fans will often let him know when their parlays are successful, but they aren’t shy about voicing their disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Tatum sees this banter as a unique way for fans to engage with players and show their investment in the games.
Tatum leads the Celtics in scoring and rebounding, with impressive stats that have helped the team throughout the season. Despite the pressure of fans’ parlays, Tatum remains focused on his performance and appreciative of the support from fans, even when the bets don’t go their way.