Warriors’ Al Horford implores NBA to protect players from ‘aggressive’ gamblers

In the wake of Thursday’s NBA-related arrests amid an FBI probe into illegal sports gambling activities and poker games allegedly backed by the Mafia, the rest of the league is trying to wrap its head around the shocking development.Al Horford told reporters Thursday that he doesn’t want to “jump to conclusions” and is waiting for more information on the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups — but the Warriors center did make a plea for the NBA to take player safety more seriously as sports betting becomes increasingly prominent nationwide.“It’s much different. It looks aggressive at times,” Horford said of fan interactions worsening due to gambling before the Warriors’ home opener against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center. “And I understand we are professional athletes, this is the world we’re in and everything. But I think the league itself has to step in and probably do more to protect the players. And to be better. All of this comes with it; it’s the fan engagement. But also, there’s that other part.”NBA players and athletes...