Sports Betting raises concerns for Athletes at Siena College Roundtable

Loudonville, NY (WRGB) — Sports betting’s growing influence on college athletes took center stage during a roundtable discussion Thursday, where Congressman Paul Tonko joined Siena College athletes and coaches to address the challenges posed by the industry.

State leaders, student-athletes, and coaches expressed concerns about the pressures sports betting places on young athletes.

“Tying into addiction was so eye-opening to me because I never thought of how many people it can affect in an addictive manner and how dangerous it can be,” said Brendan Coyle, a junior forward on Siena’s men’s basketball team.

Men’s basketball head coach Gerry McNamara emphasized the dangers of gambling addiction, comparing it to substance abuse. “There’s a side of it that is a true, real addiction, like some have with alcohol,” McNamara said.

The discussion also highlighted how sports betting advertisements target younger audiences, a concern shared by student-athletes.

“Some of my friends who have never gambled before are seeing ads targeted at younger generations,” said Valencia Fontenelle-Posson, a graduate guard on Siena’s women’s basketball team.

Despite the outside pressures, Coyle said athletes need to stay focused on their goals.

“Our goal is to graduate with a college degree and win championships. That’s our main focus,” Coyle said. “I don’t feel pressure on anything.”

He also encouraged fellow athletes to ignore external distractions. “I think [we need to] pay no mind to it… focus on what your priorities are,” he added.

McNamara, who played at Syracuse during his college career, reflected on the added pressures that athletes now face, with the rise of social media and legalized betting.

“The social media component with young athletes is something I never experienced,” McNamara said. “Now with legalized betting, access to these athletes—because most have social media accounts—is at an all-time high. Comments and threats because of performance and the financial component of betting is a scary scenario.”

As a new head coach, McNamara said he is focused on creating a supportive environment for his players.

“I think it’s important, as a coach running your program, to get these guys to understand we’re a family. The only opinions that matter are from the people who love you. The outside noise has no impact on your life,” McNamara said.