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Source of death threats against Astros pitcher Lance McCullers identified as 'inebriated' bettor, police say

Police in Texas have identified a man from overseas as the person who allegedly made death threats directed at Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family after his poor start against the Cincinnati Reds last month. 

A spokesperson with the Houston Police Department told The Associated Press Monday a man betting on the Astros was "inebriated" when he sent the threats on social media. 

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"Investigators spoke with him, and he stated he had lost money betting on the Astros game and was frustrated and inebriated when he lashed out on social media," the spokesperson said. "He was apologetic and asked that investigators pass along his apology to the McCullers family."

The Astros hired 24-hour security for McCullers and his family after he reported receiving online threats to the team. The Astros also contacted MLB security and the Houston Police Department with those concerns. 

ASTROS PITCHER LANCE MCCULLERS GETS 24-HOUR SECURITY AFTER HE AND FAMILY RECEIVE DEATH THREATS

McCullers said he's had to try to explain the situation to his 5-year-old daughter. 

"She asked me when I came home, ‘Daddy, like, what is threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?’" McCullers told the AP recently. "So, those conversations are tough to deal with."

McCullers, who returned this year after missing two full seasons with injuries, said dealing with the threats has been the worst thing that’s happened during his career. 

"People should want us to succeed," the father of two said. "We want to succeed, but it shouldn’t come at a cost to our families, the kids in our life, having to feel like they’re not safe where they live or where they sit at games."

The man at the center of those threats has not been identified because charges have not been filed, police said. ESPN reported that the case remains open. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Wake Forest baseball coach apologizes for homophobic slur caught on camera during NCAA Tournament game

Wake Forest head baseball coach Tom Walter apologized after TV cameras caught him appearing to use a homophobic slur during his Demon Deacons’ NCAA tournament game against Tennessee. 

Walter said he didn’t see the video that went viral on social media and said he doesn’t remember the moment during the game. 

But he did acknowledge that his "language doesn’t reflect my values or the standards of this program."

"I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night, and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused," Walter’s statement issued by Wake Forest said. "I own the consequences and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC."

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Wake Forest athletic director John Currie also issued a statement. 

"I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head baseball coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game," the statement said. "I feel badly for those most hurt by such words. I spoke with Coach Walter immediately after the game and again this morning to address this incident, which is completely out of character for him and does not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest University or the Atlantic Coast Conference."

COASTAL CAROLINA BASEBALL COACH CALLS OUT FLORIDA'S KEVIN O'SULLIVAN AFTER TOURNAMENT OUTBURST: ‘BULLY’

Walter’s outburst came during a crucial moment for the Demon Deacons Monday night with the Volunteers up 6-2 and their star first baseman Andrew Fischer at the dish. After Walter had some words with the home plate umpire, cameras panned to the Wake Forest dugout where Walter appeared to yell a homophobic slur with Fischer at the plate. 

The Vols left-handed hitter proceeded to smash a two-run home on a 1-2 count to extend Tennessee’s lead to 8-2. Tennessee went on to win 11-5, eliminating Wake Forest from the NCAA Tournament

In his 16th season leading the Demon Deacons, Walter is the program's second all-time leader in wins with 493 after this past campaign. 

Wake Forest has consistently produced major league talent, including five first-round MLB Draft in 2023 and 2024. 

Walter is just one of three active head coaches in the country to lead three different programs to the NCAA Tournament. He coached previously at George Washington and New Orleans.

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