Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne has been receiving requests for money on Venmo from bettors who lost wagers on Auburn games, rather than his teammates paying dues for fantasy football leagues. Thorne revealed during an appearance on “The Next Round” that he faces postgame criticism from various sources including verbal comments, social media, and even requests on Venmo. Despite advice to ignore the negativity, Thorne admitted that it can be challenging to avoid criticism in today’s world.
Thorne had a disappointing performance against Cal, throwing four interceptions and completing just 14 of 27 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown in a 20-14 defeat, bringing Auburn’s record to 1-1. Fans are not sending him money after games when Auburn wins, but will request money back if they lose wagers on the games. Thorne humorously noted that no one sends him money when they win on a parlay, only when they lose.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze has expressed his support for Thorne as the team’s starting quarterback, citing his consistent performance in practice. Freeze emphasized the importance of translating that performance into games, and mentioned the possibility of making a change if Thorne’s on-field performance does not improve. Thorne has completed 56.3 percent of his passes for 487 yards and five touchdowns so far this season, and will look to lead Auburn to a victory against New Mexico State in their upcoming game.
Thorne’s experience highlights the pressure and criticism that college football players face in today’s social media-driven world. Despite the challenges, Thorne remains focused on his faith and family as grounding elements in his life. As a senior quarterback, he continues to work on improving his performance on the field and hopes to lead Auburn to success in the remaining games of the season. Thorne’s ability to handle criticism and stay focused on his goals will be crucial as he navigates the pressures of being a starting quarterback in a high-stakes college football environment.
Thorne’s interactions with fans through Venmo provide a unique insight into the world of sports betting and the impact it can have on athletes. The demands for money from bettors who lost wagers on Auburn games underscores the financial consequences that players can face as a result of their performance on the field. Thorne’s ability to navigate these challenges with humor and perspective reflects his resilience and maturity as a student-athlete. As he continues to develop as a player and leader, Thorne’s experiences both on and off the field will shape his legacy at Auburn and beyond.
As Auburn prepares for their upcoming game against New Mexico State, Thorne’s focus will be on leading the team to a victory and bouncing back from their recent defeat. The support of his coach and teammates, along with his own determination to improve, will be crucial in guiding Auburn to a successful season. Thorne’s ability to overcome adversity and stay focused on his goals will be tested as the season progresses, but his resilience and positive attitude suggest that he is up to the challenge. With the support of the Auburn community and his own unwavering commitment to success, Thorne will continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
