sports
Lawmakers Send Letter Seeking WNBA Response on Player Safety
Eleven Republican members of Congress wrote to the WNBA commissioner on Wednesday requesting information on league procedures for reviewing physical contact and online harassment. The letter cites incidents involving one player and asks for a reply by July 24.
Jul 9, 12:27 PM·1m read1 source
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A group of 11 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Wednesday requesting details on how the league reviews physical contact during games and addresses online harassment. The letter describes one player as generating increased viewership and sponsorships and states concern that some physical incidents may be racially motivated.
It asks three specific questions about the league's process for handling aggressive play and protecting players from online abuse. The letter also notes that federal agencies could investigate if discrimination or retaliation is found and references possible violations of civil rights laws.
The Fever organization stated it had not received the letter and had no prior contact with the congressional group. The statement said the team has already discussed player safety with the league and will continue to emphasize that topic.
24, contact occurred between Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and the player during a game in Indianapolis. The league reviewed the play the next day, assessed a flagrant foul 2, and suspended Thomas for one game. The player addressed online harassment in comments last Friday, stating that such conduct is unacceptable toward any participant in the league.
