There’s a line between criticism and something far more serious, and Jalen Brunson says that line gets crossed way too often.
According to Sports Illustrated, the New York Knicks guard recently addressed the issue of professional athletes receiving death threats from fans, a conversation that resurfaced after New York Giants kicker Graham Gano revealed he is sent violent messages every week—often tied to sports betting outcomes.
When asked about the situation, Brunson didn’t soften the reality. “It’s definitely crossed a line a couple of times. Actually, I would say more than a couple of times,” he said. “They have said some pretty messed up s**t.”
According to Brunson, this isn’t limited to a handful of emotionally charged messages after a tough game. The threats are direct, personal, and persistent. And for many athletes, there’s no real playbook for handling them.
“It’s tough. I really don’t wish that on anybody,” he continued. “I don’t really understand why people think it’s alright to press send when s**t is hateful.”
He also noted that the worst messages aren’t the ones the public sees or talks about—they’re the ones that stay private, weighing on players more than fans might realize.
Still, Brunson made it clear that he has a strong support system that helps him navigate moments where the noise becomes overwhelming. That includes his parents, who have played a central role in helping him manage pressure and keep perspective as his profile in New York continues to grow.
“I try not to let the world see it because people don’t really care about your problems,” he said. “But when my family is around, I’m allowed to be vulnerable. I have a very close circle that I turn to when I start to get doubts, or I start to get nervous or see stuff like that.”
He added that how he responds is something he learned early on. “The way I was raised, I use that stuff and I try to make it into something positive for me. And that’s a credit to my parents,” she said.
Even with the off-court pressure, Brunson continues to perform. During the Knicks’ recent 137–114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden, he finished with 23 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. The Knicks improved to 5–3 overall and remained undefeated at home.
Next up, the Knicks host the Brooklyn Nets at MSG on November 9.