WASHINGTON — There are inaccuracies in reports stating that the WNBA has initiated an investigation into the Storm coaching staff, according to a credible source as of Wednesday.
It seems that complaints were lodged against the coaching staff after an incident involving cursing during the postgame handshake following a 75-70 win in Seattle on Sunday.
The league has looked into these allegations, but upon preliminary review, they found no substantial issues. Sources have noted that labeling this as an “exploration” is somewhat exaggerated.
Noel Quinn is in her fourth season as the Seattle head coach, having a record of 4-4 this year and a total of 62-62 during her two postseason appearances.
Wednesday’s revelations mark the second controversy surrounding Quinn’s staff in under seven months. Back in November, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that a third-party firm was engaged to investigate claims of player abuse linked to the coaching team, with Jewell Loyd at the center of those accusations.
In the wake of that investigation, which ultimately found no violations, Loyd requested a trade from the Storm. She was subsequently traded to the Ace as part of a deal that involved Kelsey Plum moving to Los Angeles and a second-round draft pick going to Seattle in 2025.
Sources have emphasized that the latest report is unrelated to the Storm’s initial investigation.
Attempts to reach Loyd through the Ace for comments weren’t immediately successful, nor did Arashi respond promptly to requests regarding the latest situation.
On a different note, Sandy Brondello was recognized as coach of the month for May after leading her team to a 7-0 start, as announced by the WNBA on Wednesday. The Liberty have been on fire, averaging 90.5 points and 24.5 assists across six games. They even set a league record for most three-pointers in a regular season game with 19 against the Sky, while their net rating of 19.1 places them at the top of the league.
Brondello remarked that the monthly honor is a reflection of her coaching staff as much as it is of the players executing the game plan. “It’s a testament to all of us,” she said. “We’re pleased with our 7-0 record but recognize there’s still room for improvement.”
Nyara Sabally, who has missed five consecutive games, is listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup against The Mystics. She participated in parts of practice on Wednesday, with Brondello assuring that the third-year center is getting ready for her return. “It’s about making sure Nyara feels better, which is crucial for us,” Brondello stated. “She’s confident in herself, and we’re being smart about her recovery.”
With her ability to roll and post-up, Sabally would undoubtedly enhance the team’s already dynamic offense. However, the Liberty are playing this cautiously, focusing on ensuring she’s available when her presence is most needed. “We’re careful, ensuring she’s ready,” Brondello added. “Since we’re winning, there’s no rush to bring her back prematurely. We’re looking at the bigger picture.”
