Gambler gets 36 months probation for threatening Rays players, other athletes

Back in March, a 24-year-old gambler named Benjamin Tucker Patz pleaded guilty to making violent threats to Tampa Bay Rays players and other athletes via social media messages. 

Per David Purdum of ESPN, Patz was sentenced to 36 months of probation Thursday in federal court in Tampa, Fla. As part of the sentence, Patz must complete six months of home detention and also a mental health treatment program. Additionally, he's prohibited from participating in "gambling, wagering, or other activities, either online or in-person." 

It was previously reported Patz faced up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for sending threatening and disturbing messages to athletes across both professional and amateur sports. 

David Weisbrod, Patz's attorney, told ESPN via a statement: 

"In open court this morning, Mr. Patz expressed remorse for his actions and the hurt he caused and apologized to anyone who received one of his messages or was otherwise adversely affected by them. He is also grateful for the court's decision to place him on probation. Other than that, there will be no other comments." 

Among the messages shared in stories earlier this year, Patz allegedly threatened to harm athletes and their family members after he suffered gambling losses.

The U.S. Department of Justice says Patz targeted over 300 total social media accounts associated with athletes, significant others and their family members.