The WNBA has received unprecedented attention this year, leading to even more criticism of its players.
Chicago Sky members said they had never received so much hate and harassment until this season.
“I'll be honest, it was tough. It was really tough,” Dana Evans said Thursday night after the final game of the season. “We're professionals. We know we can play this game, but when you have people constantly criticizing you and they're supposed to be our supporters, I feel like it was a little slap in the face.”
“It was a difficult thing to deal with. It was really disgusting.
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The Chicago Sky logo on the court before Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today Sports)
“But I always say that God doesn't make mistakes, and this season has challenged my mental state on another level. I feel like I'm going to be a lot better next season, just mentally, prepared for everything.”
Her teammate Isabelle Harrison held back tears as she spoke of the “intolerance and racism” she has seen on social media.
“I've never experienced so much hate and harassment all season,” Harrison said. “I get emotional about it… It's hard because it should never have been this way. You just want to play basketball. If it's online, it's online. But now you're getting tagged. I constantly have to block people, and people just make up stories about you. It's painful. And it's hard to just focus on basketball.
Chicago Sky forward Isabelle Harrison reacts after a foul was called on June 16, 2024, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Jacob Musselman/For IndyStar/USA Today Network)
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“I appreciate the fresh perspective, but if this is accompanied by hate, intolerance, racism and even people who look like me criticizing me, don't post it because it's very hurtful and you don't know how that affects people. I think that's something that a lot of new fans should take into account and we don't want that to carry over into the locker room.
“You try to stay away from it,” she added. “Even when you don't take it, it still happens. I get a lot of support from it as well, but when you get so much negativity and you have a job to do… you just have to block it out.”
Sky star Angel Reese said earlier this month that she had been the victim of “racism” and “death threats”, particularly from fans of Caitlin Clark. But Evans said even Sky fans have criticised the team.
“If you're going to support Sky, support Sky,” she said. “I feel like that was a big deal. It affects your mind. I don't care how good you are or what's going on. You're going to see things, you're going to read things. But this made us better and a lot stronger here.”
Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans dribbles the ball on June 16, 2024, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Jacob Musselman/USA Today Network)
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The Sky missed the playoffs and finished 10th in the 12-team league. The top eight teams advance to the postseason.
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