The season for the Indiana Fever officially ended in an 87-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Sept. 25, getting bounced out of the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
During the end-of-season interviews, many Fever players and members of the front office condemned the hateful conduct, which saw an uptick this season, portrayed by fans.
Head coach Christie Sides opened the interview with a statement regarding the conduct of fans in the arena as well as on social media.
“There is no place for hate or racism in our league,” Sides said.
General Manager Lin Dunn echoed Sides’ sentiments.
“Social media has taken a toll on everyone,” Dunn said. “All of our players, our staff, we have all had to deal with the issues we see today. It is unfortunate. It shouldn’t be tolerated.”
Aliyah Boston, who went silent on social media early in the season, said that the negative fans and “trolls” played a huge part in her decision.
“There has been so much hate spread (on social media),” Boston said. “To start the season, I was at the other end of those hate comments. They (Fever fans) say they support the Fever, but they said everything was under the earth, and that wasn’t nice. It was a big reason why I took a break from social media.”
Boston said the tone of fans changed once the Fever began winning games.
“Now that the tables have turned and we started winning games and started doing better and better and now they turned into love comments,” Boston said. “It is hard as a player because every single night we come out here, we are not performing for what you guys think. We are coming out here to do the best we can and compete every single night. It is about focusing on the twelve in that locker room.”
AP Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark also spoke about the negative nature surrounding the league this season.
“It is definitely upsetting,” Clark said. “Nobody in our league should be facing any kind of racism, hurtful, hateful comments and threats. Those aren’t fans. Those are trolls. And it is a real disservice to the people in our league, the organization and the WNBA.”
Clark also thanked the fans who uplifted the league in a positive manner.
“There are so many great players, great teams and positive storylines that can be written and celebrated,” Clark said.
Temi Fagbengle declined to comment on the racism and hateful nature displayed by some fans this season.
The Fever will return for the next season of WNBA basketball in April of 2025.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports news from Noral, click here.
