One of the most unfortunate parts of being a sports star is that there are bound to be fans who have real problems dealing with losses and struggles. Count former Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball star Cade Povich among the latest to see just how those problems can manifest themselves.
Povich, who pitched for Nebraska in the 2020 and 2021 seasons after transferring from South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. His first season for the Huskers was cut short thanks to the COVID pandemic, but his final year with NU saw him go 6-1 with a 3.11 earned run average and 88 strikeouts in 81 innings. He was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 3rd round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft and eventually traded to the Baltimore Orioles in a deadline deal. Last year, he made his Major League debut and struggled, and 2025 hasn't been much better.
Ex-Nebraska Cornhuskers star Cade Povich details threats against his family
Still, the former Nebraska Cornhuskers star is a Major League starting pitcher, something so few baseball players can ever claim. Despite that, Povich has come under fire for his 2-7 record and 5.13 ERA, and one fan went beyond what is considered respectable when he messaged violent threats to Povich through his Instagram account.
I understand that I may not have performed or have gotten the results that I, my team, or many fans may have wanted so I get the frustration. Say what you want about me in that regard. However, going out of your way to DM my wife is unacceptable and what is shown in this image is… pic.twitter.com/Ukng0nn7Fg
— Cade Povich (@CadeJPovich) August 23, 2025
The Orioles' pitcher took to social media on Saturday to shed light on the kinds of horrible messages he receives, including from one fan who threatened to harm his wife, most psychotically, while they were in church.
"I understand that I may not have performed or have gotten the results that I, my team, or many fans may have wanted, so I get the frustration," Povich wrote. "Say what you want about me in that regard. However, going out of your way to DM my wife is unacceptable and what is shown in this image is crossing the line. Me, or especially my wife, should not have to worry about our safety in the public, nonetheless church, because of how I perform on the mound."
"I'm coming on here to say something about this because I know my family is not alone," he added. "This stuff does not belong in the game."
Cade Povich isn't wrong. The ex-Nebraska Cornhuskers star shouldn't have to worry about the safety of himself or his family. One can only hope this kind of thing continues to get called out and stopped.