As more athletes speak openly about depression, anxiety and suicide, a minority of fans are weaponizing it

Research shows athlete disclosures about their mental health can encourage people to seek help and talk honestly about mental illness. But heckling and backlash threaten that progress.

By: Scott Parrott, University of South Carolina, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 26, 2026

Words: 1,326

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Scott Parrott, University of South Carolina

It’s a cool Tuesday night in Columbia, South Carolina, and fans of the minor league baseball team the Columbia Fireflies are letting an opposing batter named Marcos Torres hear it.

“Marco!” one fan calls.

“Polo!” a half dozen fans respond, mimicking the swimming pool game.

The batter swings and misses. The cacophony begins again.

“Marco!”

“Polo!”

Baseball fans have developed a reputation for shouting wisecracks …

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