WNBA Fans Applaud Sun Coach's Take on Toxic 'Trolls' After Playoff Win Over Fever

As was the case for many WNBA games this year, the Indiana Fever-Connecticut Sun playoff matchup on Wednesday wasn’t without controversy.

The Sun eliminated the Fever in a nervy 87-81 Game 2 win to advance to the semifinals for the sixth straight year. After a historic night that saw Fever rookie Caitlin Clark make more WNBA history, the electric Fever-Sun playoff series was nonetheless marred by online vitriol and toxic narratives which led to players being targeted and facing harassment.

Early in Wednesday’s game, Clark complained about a fan sitting courtside after the fan made a presumably offensive comment. The fan was escorted off the court but returned to his seat not long after.

Sun guard Alyssa Thomas spoke after the win about the hate and racial abuse she and her teammates received during the series and called for the league to take action. Thomas was partly referring to an incident between DiJonai Carrington and Clark in which Carrington appeared to accidentally poke Clark in the eye during Game 1, eliciting widespread frenzy on social media.

During Wednesday’s postgame presser, the WNBA promptly issued an official statement declaring that the league “will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players.”

In light of all the controversy, Sun coach Stephanie White was asked for her take on what her players have dealt with throughout the playoffs, and she gave an extremely well-articulated and thoughtful response.

“We in the media have to do a better job of not allowing trolls in social media to become the story,” White said. “I feel like we have allowed trolls in social media to frame the narrative of what the story is. And it’s unacceptable.”

Here’s the full video:

Stephanie White spoke extensively on the hate her players (and other W players) have faced:

“We in the media have to do a better job of not allowing trolls in social media to become the story. I feel like we have allowed trolls in social media to frame the narrative of what the… pic.twitter.com/DnnS0DINlC
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) September 26, 2024

Fans applauded White for urging members of the WNBA media to do better.

Sun head coach Stephanie White SAID IT. "I feel like we have allowed trolls in social media to frame the narrative of what the story is, and it's unacceptable. It's unacceptable, and we have to do a better job." Media only focusing on clicks/engagement is part of the problem.
— Lyndsey D'Arcangelo 🏀 (@darcangel21) September 26, 2024

“ I don’t go on social media, and that’s a part of protecting my peace. But I also realize that’s a privilege for me.”

And ppl wonder why I adore Stephanie White and this team- SHE GETS IT‼️ https://t.co/ercoGVjkHj
— Terrika (@SheKnowsSports) September 26, 2024

Stephanie White is the only one with a brain. Thank YOU! Stop giving faceless people on the internet any power over you! I WAS TOLD THIS IS A GROWN WOMENS LEAGUE. STOP ACTING LIKE A DAMN MIDDLE SCHOOLER https://t.co/Wbvtpnctvr
— playoff kaytee ♡⋆*ೃ:. (@caitlinclarks) September 26, 2024

Stephanie white was right you guys successfully let trolls hijack the narrative this year cause of your dumb agendas.
— sola. (@Ms_Ashake) September 26, 2024