A recent NCAA study revealed that social media abuse against student-athletes decreased during March Madness, dropping from 42% last year to 15%. However, there was a significant spike in harassment directed at tournament officials and coaches, particularly concerning selection decisions and bubble teams. While sports betting-related abuse decreased by 23%, the men's tournament saw an alarming 140% increase in harassment incidents. Notably, North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham was subject to intense online abuse after the team secured a spot in the tournament.
"There was a lot in there that was directed at the NCAA committee from the outset of March Madness, with some of the bubble teams and who got in and who got out; couple coaches' changes that happened throughout March Madness seemed to trigger a lot of abuse, as well."
"North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham, who chaired the men's selection committee, received online abuse and harassment after the Tar Heels became one of the last teams into the field."
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