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WNBA’s condemnation of vitriol against players sparks online criticism
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WNBA’s condemnation of vitriol against players sparks online criticism

The WNBA condemned allegations of racism and other hateful messages that players said they received during the season.

Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas took direct aim at Indiana Fever fans after the team’s playoff win, while teammate DiJonai Carrington posted on Instagram a horrific email she received, filled with racial slurs.

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WNBA Playoff Photo

Basketball games for the first game of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. (Mark Smith-Imagn Images)

“The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world,” the league said. “While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments about players, teams or anyone associated with the league.

“League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate action. Law enforcement will also be involved as needed.”

However, fans of the league reacted on social media, saying it was a little too late to release the statement.

Marina Mabrey and Di Jonnai Carrington

Connecticut Sun guards Marina Mabrey (4) and DiJonai Carrington (21) celebrate together during the second half of a WNBA first round basketball playoff game against the Indiana Fever, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Connecticut. (AP photo/Jessica Hill)

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Thomas talked about her experiences this season after the Sun’s victory.

“We’ve been professional throughout this whole thing, but I’ve never been called anything like I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for that,” Thomas continued. “Basketball is going in a great direction, but no, we don’t want fans who are going to belittle us and call us racist names.

Caitlin Clark rides

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket as Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington defends during a WNBA first round basketball playoff game, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Connecticut. (AP photo/Jessica Hill)

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“We already see what’s happening in the world and what we need to do in that regard. We come to play basketball for a living, and it’s fun, but we don’t want to come to work every day and have social media blow up about this kind of thing. It’s not appropriate and something needs to be done, whether it’s (the Fever) controlling their fans or this league controlling them. There’s no time for that anymore.”

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.

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