WNBA Playoffs: Alyssa Thomas calls on Fever and the league to curb racism and social media discourse among fans

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Connecticut Sun All-Star Alyssa Thomas, head coach Stephanie White and Indiana head coach Christie Sides directly addressed the heated social media debate and racism players have experienced in the WNBA this season after the Sun won their first-round series at Mohegan Sun Arena on Wednesday.

“Frankly, it was a load of nonsense,” Thomas said. “I don't think in my 11-year career I've ever experienced (anything like) the racist comments from the Indiana Fever fans. … It's uncalled for and something has to be done, whether it's them controlling their fans or this league controlling (them), there's no time for that anymore.”

The league released a statement X minutes after the Fever and Sun ended their media presence. During the game, a fan was briefly escorted from a courtside seat after Fever rookie Caitlin Clark reported the fan to officials in the first quarter.

“The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the best athletes in the world,” the statement said. “While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA does not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments about players, teams and individuals associated with the league. League security actively monitors threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and stadiums to take appropriate action, including involving law enforcement when necessary.”

Thomas' response was prompted by a question about the Sun's professionalism in “cutting through the noise.” Sun wing DiJonai Carrington shared a screenshot on social media on Wednesday of what she said was an email sent to her that used a racial slur and said the sender hoped someone “rapes you and cuts your head off.” Carrrington fouled Clark in Game 1 on Sunday by punching her in the eye. Both she and Clark were asked about it at practice on Tuesday and said it was unintentional. It was reported by sports media as well as national news and entertainment outlets.

“We've conducted ourselves professionally the whole time, but I've never been called names like I was on social media, and there's no room for that,” Thomas said. “Basketball is going in a great direction, but we don't want fans demeaning us and calling us racist names. I mean, we already see what's going on in the world and what we're dealing with in that regard. We play basketball as a profession, and it's fun, but we don't want to go to work every day and be riled up on social media about things like that.”

Negative discussions on social media grew throughout the season, with many focusing on plays and moments involving Clark. The Fever opened the season in Connecticut in front of a record 2.1 million viewers across ESPN platforms who tuned in to see the leading scorer in NCAA history. Carrington defended Clark, forcing her into 10 turnovers in her debut, and cameras caught Carrington mimicking a flop move. Other players who were involved in physical altercations with Clark also reported receiving comments directed at them.

“Sports is a microcosm of life and society,” White said. “We have experienced a lot of racism, sexism, homophobia (and) transphobia throughout our country. Sports is no exception and, to be honest, that is unacceptable.”

White is a TV commentator during the WNBA offseason and said the media needs to “do everything in their power to prevent trolls on social media from becoming a story.” She said the stories should be “about what we're doing, not about who's being attacked and how they're being attacked.”

“The narrative doesn't need to be controlled by people who just sit at their keyboards and spread hate and negative vitriol everywhere,” she said, adding that this isn't just happening with her team, her athletes or just the WNBA.

Sides, Clark and Aliyah Boston met with reporters before the Sun's availability. They have also been the focus of discussions on social media, particularly during their 1-9 start to the season and from people upset about the hateful comments toward opponents. Boston said she deleted her social media earlier in the year because of the comments.

When asked what was important to her in the locker room after the loss, Sides said she was proud of her team and that they had grown despite the adversity and outside noise they faced “from Game 1 (of the season) to now,” including “made-up” stories.

“There's a lot of hurtful, hateful speech and attacks out there,” Sides said. “And that's unacceptable. That's not unacceptable for any of these guys. This is basketball and it's their job and they're doing the best they can. And when it gets personal, that's just the moment for me, there's no reason for it.”

The WNBA Players Association and individual players spoke out against Commissioner Cathy Engelbert earlier this month following an appearance on CNBC. Engelbert was asked about the “darker” and “more threatening” tone taken toward fans on social media this year. Engelbert later responded to the criticism, writing on social media: “To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.”

When asked in June, Clark also spoke out against the racist and misogynistic comments.