Threats Against WNBA Star’s Family Spark Outrage and Action
Breanna Stewart, the two-time MVP, has been dealing with more than just the pressure of the WNBA Finals. On Tuesday, she revealed that her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, received a threatening and homophobic email following the New York Liberty’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted action from the league and law enforcement.
A Terrifying Experience
Stewart reported the incident to the Liberty and the league, while her wife went to the police. The WNBA star expressed concern for her family’s safety, particularly their two young children, Ruby and Theo. “I think that for Marta, especially, it was, it is, terrifying,” Stewart said. The threatening email was just the beginning, as Stewart revealed that “threats continued to build after Game 1.”
A Growing Problem in the WNBA
Unfortunately, Stewart and her wife are not alone in experiencing vitriolic behavior. Many WNBA players have reported an increase in racist, misogynistic, anti-gay, and threatening messages directed towards them. DiJonai Carrington and Angel Reese are among those who have spoken out about receiving threatening messages.
The League’s Response
The WNBA has condemned the behavior, with commissioner Cathy Engelbert stating that “the hateful speech and threats directed at our players are troubling.” The league is working with the players’ association and teams to take a multidimensional approach to address the issue, including utilizing technology, prioritizing mental health, reinforcing physical security, and increasing monitoring.
A Call to Action
Stewart urged the league to establish a protocol to deal with these incidents before the season starts. She emphasized the need for the league to be proactive in supporting its players and ensuring their safety. “We love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point where there’s threats or harassment or homophobic comments being made,” Stewart said.
Support and Solidarity
Despite the challenges, Stewart and her family have received overwhelming support from the league, teams, and fans. The WNBA star expressed gratitude for the help and solidarity, saying, “Everyone has been step-in-step in helping support me and my family since Thursday.” As the WNBA Finals continue, Stewart and her family will be looking to the league to ensure their safety and well-being.
Leave a Reply