WNBA Reporter Felt 'Unsafe' At Caitlin Clark's Playoff Game
Indiana Fever fans continue to face scrutiny for their behavior following Wednesday's elimination loss to the Connecticut Sun.
After Wednesday's game, Sun forward Alyssa Thomas said she's been subjected to racism from Fever fans. Indiana head coach Christie Sides also condemned "hurtful hate speech" during her post-game press conference.
Much of that harassment has happened over social media, but a WNBA writer relayed a concerning environment at Mohegan Sun Arena. Frankie de la Cretaz posted a photo of a fan taunting Sun guard DiJonai Carrington when describing a "horrendous" vibe at Wednesday's playoff matchup.
"The woman behind me was mocking DiJonai’s eyelashes & only stopped when my partner turned around & told her to stop being racist," de la Cretaz said. "There’s a man in a MAGA hat. Then there's THIS woman in a 'ban nails' shirt & cartoonishly fake nails."
Frankie de la Cretaz.
WNBA/X
De la Cretaz followed with a gutting assessment of the scene.
"I've never felt unsafe at a WNBA game & tonight I did."
UNCASVILLE, CT - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of fans in the arena during Connecticut Sun starting lineup introductions before Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun on September 25, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Responding to someone who pointed to "great vibes" at New York Liberty games, de la Cretaz said Wednesday wasn't the typical experience for Sun games. They pointed the blame toward Indiana's fanbase.
"I want to be really clear that Sun home games are not usually like this," de la Cretaz wrote. "The issue wasn’t the Sun fans, the issue was the Fever fans who showed up to the Sun's home arena."
Following pointed post-game comments from Thomas and Sides, the WNBA issued a statement on social media.
"The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world," the statement said. "While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league. League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement as necessary."
