International Courant
The WNBA has acquired an unprecedented quantity of consideration this yr, resulting in far more criticism of its gamers.
Chicago Sky members mentioned they’ve by no means skilled a lot hate and intimidation till this season.
“I will be sincere, it was robust. It was actually robust,” Dana Evans mentioned Thursday evening after their season finale. “We’re professionals. We all know we will play this sport, however when you’ve gotten people who find themselves always taking you down and are alleged to be our followers, I feel it is just a little little bit of a slap within the face.
“That was fairly tough to cope with. It was actually disgusting.
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The Chicago Sky emblem on the court docket earlier than Sport 2 of the primary spherical of the WNBA playoffs between Chicago Sky and New York Liberty at Wintrust Area. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Right this moment Sports activities)
“However I at all times say that God makes no errors, and this season has taken my psychological state to a different degree. And I really feel like subsequent season I will be so a lot better mentally, ready for something.”
Her teammate Isabelle Harrison could not maintain again her tears as she spoke in regards to the “intolerance and racism” she noticed on social media.
“I’ve by no means skilled this a lot hate and intimidation this complete season,” Harrison mentioned. “It makes me emotional. … It is exhausting as a result of it by no means ought to have been this manner. You simply need to play basketball. If it is on-line, it is on-line. However now you are being tagged in it. I am always having to dam folks and individuals are simply making tales about you. It is hurtful. And it is exhausting to simply give attention to basketball.
Chicago Sky ahead Isabelle Harrison reacts after a foul is dedicated throughout a sport at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 16, 2024. (Jacob Musselman/For IndyStar/USA Right this moment Community)
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“I admire the brand new eyes, but when it comes with hate and bigotry and racism and even individuals who appear to be me bashing me, then hold it offline as a result of it is so hurtful and you do not know how that impacts folks. I simply assume that is one thing that a whole lot of new followers want to concentrate on and we do not need that to unfold into the locker room.
“You simply attempt to keep away from it,” she added. “Even if you happen to’re not there, it is nonetheless taking place. I get a lot help from it, however whenever you get that a lot negativity and you’ve got a job to do … you simply have to dam it out.”
Sky rookie phenom Angel Reese mentioned earlier this month that she had been the sufferer of “racism” and “dying threats”, notably from followers of Caitlin Clark. However Evans mentioned even Sky followers had been important of the group.
“If you are going to help Sky, help Sky,” she mentioned. “I feel that was a giant downside. It messes you up mentally. I do not care how good you might be or what is going on on. You are going to see issues, you are going to learn issues. However this, it is made us higher and lots stronger right here.”
Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans dribbles the ball on June 16, 2024, throughout a sport at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Jacob Musselman/USA Right this moment Community)
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The Sky missed the playoffs, ending tenth within the 12-team league. The highest eight groups advance to the postseason.
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Chicago Sky gamers lament ‘disgusting’ vitriol they’ve acquired on social media this yr: ‘It is so hurtful’
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