Connecticut Suns players are speaking out about the harsh criticism they've allegedly received this season, particularly from Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever fans.
Alyssa Thomas slammed fans in a strong statement to reporters after the Sun defeated the Fever 87-81 in Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs.
“I don't think I've ever experienced any racist comments in my 11-year career. [like] “Comments like this will not be tolerated from Indiana Fever fans,” Thomas said. “Honestly, this is unacceptable behavior and there is no room for it. We have conducted ourselves professionally from start to finish and have never been called the things that were said to me on social media and there is no room for it. Basketball is going in a great direction but we do not want fans disparaging us and calling us racist terms.”
“We already know what's going on in the world and what we have to deal with on that front. We come to work and play basketball and it's fun, but I don't want to go to work every day and have social media buzz about stuff like that. It's unfair and something needs to be done, whether they check on the fans or check on the league. We just don't have time for that anymore.”
Thomas, who had 19 points and 13 assists as the Suns won their second straight game, is not the first WNBA player to call out Fever and Clark fans for inappropriate comments.
Earlier this summer, Angel Reese said on a podcast that Clarke's fans had sent her death threats and racist slurs, but Clarke stressed that she took no responsibility for their actions.
Former WNBA player Renee Montgomery spoke out against some of Clark's “vicious” fans who attack other players.
“I'm talking about a specific group that is motivated by hate and destruction, and if that's not you, this isn't about you,” she said on the podcast. “This doesn't seem to be about Caitlyn and her fans … They're just ready to fight on social media.”
Clark's arrival in the league brought new popularity to the WNBA, boosting television ratings and interest, but also a flood of negative feedback.
Clark has at times been the target of negative comments and excessive criticism.
During Wednesday night's game, a fan was briefly removed from his seat after apparently making comments to Clark during the game.
The league released a statement late Wednesday night condemning the racist and derogatory language but has faced criticism for how it has handled the issue for much of the season.
“The WNBA is a highly competitive league featuring some of the best athletes in the world, and while we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA does not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening rhetoric directed at players, teams or league personnel,” the league's statement read. “League security actively monitors for threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate action, including involving law enforcement as necessary.”
Fever manager Christy Sides also condemned the behavior of some fans.
“There is a lot of hurtful and hateful rhetoric out there and it will not be tolerated,” Sides said in post-match comments. “To all of our players, this will not be tolerated.”
