The WNBA released a statement on Wednesday evening denouncing racist abuse from fans, following concerns raised by players and coaches during the playoff series between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun.
“The WNBA is home to some of the world’s top athletes,” the statement read. “While we appreciate our expanding fan base, the league will not accept racist, derogatory, or threatening remarks directed at players, teams, or anyone associated with the WNBA. Our security team is closely monitoring threats and will collaborate with teams and arenas to take appropriate actions, including involving law enforcement if needed.”
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 26, 2024
After Indiana’s season-ending 87-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun in Game 2 on Wednesday night in Uncasville, Conn., Sun forward Alyssa Thomas, Sun coach Stephanie White, and Fever coach Christie Sides voiced their concerns about the abusive behavior and online “trolls.”
“It’s truly unacceptable,” Thomas said in her postgame interview. “There’s no place for that kind of behavior. We’ve remained professional throughout, but I’ve never been called the kinds of things I’ve been called on social media. Basketball is progressing in the right direction, but we don’t want fans who degrade us with racial slurs. We already see what’s happening in the world, and we come here to play the game we love, but we shouldn’t have to face this when we go to work. It’s uncalled for, and something needs to be done—whether it’s fans or the league checking these behaviors, there’s no room for it anymore.”
White emphasized the need for the league to “do a better job” addressing the issue. “We’ve witnessed racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia in our country, and sports are no exception. It’s not acceptable. What frustrates me most is that we, and I say this as someone who works in media, have allowed trolls on social media to control the narrative. We need to do better. I applaud our team for maintaining their professionalism.”
Sides also condemned the personal nature of the attacks. “There’s a lot of hurtful, hateful speech going around, and it’s not okay. When it gets personal, it’s simply unnecessary. These players are constantly exposed to social media, and they have to see and hear all the fabricated stories or things people think they see. It crosses the line when it becomes personal.”
