Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas addressed the racist commentary directed at WNBA players this season during a postgame interview on Wednesday night. Thomas, an All-Star for the Sun, specifically highlighted the behavior of Indiana Fever fans.
The WNBA issued a statement denouncing the hateful comments aimed at its players, and both the Sun and Fever coaches expressed their disapproval of the online abuse in their postgame discussions, condemning any form of hateful speech regardless of its source.
Thomas, an Olympian who led her team to victory over the Fever in the first round of the playoffs, noted that the level of hatred she’s encountered this season is unlike anything she has experienced in her career.
“In my 11 years as a professional, I’ve never had to deal with racial comments like those from the Indiana Fever fan base,” Thomas said. “It’s completely unacceptable. We’ve remained professional throughout this situation, but the things I’ve been called on social media are appalling, and there’s no room for that kind of behavior.”
She added, “,Basketball is progressing in a great direction, but we don’t want fans who are going to degrade us with racial slurs.”
Fever head coach Christie Sides and Sun head coach Stephanie White echoed Thomas’ sentiments, labeling fan and online abuse as “unacceptable” during their postgame press conferences.
The WNBA’s statement, released after the game, read: “The WNBA is home to some of the most elite athletes in the world, and while we welcome our growing fan base, the league will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments aimed at players, teams, or anyone affiliated ,with the WNBA.
League security is actively monitoring any threats and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate action, including involving law enforcement when necessary.”
