Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart have made it clear where they stand regarding the abuse WNBA stars have received this season, especially the increase in racist attacks.
While the WNBA experienced a massive increase in popularity thanks to the arrivals of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, that increase also saw the rise of racist attacks. These attacks were hurled primarily at players of color, as fans created their narratives regarding how some players are racist toward others, leading to an outpouring of outrage.
Speaking to reporters during shootaround, the two New York Liberty stars shared their thoughts on the situation . In particular, the duo explained what they hoped would happen, especially as the league's popularity continues to grow moving forward.
"I guess to each their own and that's really kind of the position that I would want to be in because I want my fans to be inclusive and to understand and to realize how hard all of these women are working on the court," Stewart told reporters [ h/t NYLibertyFanTV ]. "No matter what, whether it's me and A'ja [Wilson] going against each other, whoever the case may be, there's a tremendous amount of respect there and that needs to follow suit with our fans."
Ionescu added that she feels like it is a difficult situation because of the different circumstances surrounding each incident. However, the 26-year-old believed that it was up to them as athletes to use their platform and power to shut down any hateful behavior so the WNBA would grow positively.
"It's tough because you can't really control what other people do," Ionescu said. "I do think if it is someone that is your fan that is maybe from your hometown, from your city, that it is something that you can use your voice and just try and speak on what's right on a human level.
"No matter if it's your fan or not, it's just not right to begin with on a human level. And so I think, obviously the players have a big stance on being able to do that when they know who it's coming from. But at the same time, I think we just need to create a safer environment for players as our league grows."
Stewart and Ionescu's comments come after many stars and coaches around the WNBA denounced the racist attacks their fellow players have received this season. Clark told reporters as much during the Indiana Fever's final press conference of the season.
"Nobody in our league should be facing any sort of racism, hurtful, disrespectful, hateful comments, and threats," Clark said Friday . "Those aren’t fans. Those are trolls, and it’s a real disservice to the people in our league, the organization, the WNBA."
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Clark's coach Christie Sides also spoke out about the racist attacks players faced from Indiana Fever fans throughout the season. "It's a lot of hurtful speech out there and it's happening and it's unacceptable for any of these guys," she said.
"This is basketball and this is their job and they're doing the best they can. When it gets personal to me, I mean there's no reason and these guys have to listen and watch that." Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner added that the WNBA needs to address issues quicker to avoid any further abuse.
"I don’t think it’s right but yeah, just being swift with it. Making a statement, making a stand," Griner said. " It needs to be upheld for everybody because we all deserve to play in a safe environment. We’re out here to play and not worry about racial and just sexist comments."
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