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The WNBA is committed to increasing security measures and resources as many players throughout the league face growing threats online.
Several prominent WNBA players have spoken out against the hateful and threatening messages that they have received online. Some of the messages are related to their play on the court, while others are related to sports gambling issues. Others, meanwhile, are simply related to the league they play in.
Longtime WNBA veteran Natasha Cloud urged the league to do better to protect the players, after Chelsea Gray shared a hateful message from a fan, who ended up getting fired from his job.
"I think as one of the main faces of our league, too, it creates a dialogue that needs to be had. It puts pressure on Cathy, who we've been begging to step up for us in these spaces," Cloud said, according to Front Office Sports. "Now I think it demands her to actually take some initiative and to do something about it. I don't know what it is that she's going to do, but I also think that simple statements of not condoning (expletive) is also really good for public relations as well."
On Tuesday, the WNBA and WNBPA held a video conference, to go over what's been happening and how things can be improved.
The WNBA is committed to doing better.
WNBA commits to more security resources
The WNBA and the WNBAPA said that Tuesday's conversations "underscored the importance of addressing issues early through proactive communication and strengthening the league-union relationship. The league committed to continuing to enhance security resources and will work with the players' union to explore collaborations with organizations that share the values of our league and advance our shared priorities.
"Yesterday's discussion marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, and we are united in our commitment to building on this work together."
Angel Reese is among those who have spoken out, too.
"There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone -- from fans to coaches to players," Reese said after being called a 'protected species' by a WNBA coach. "And I'm just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball."
