Hilton Grand Vacations has dismissed an employee after they used a racial slur on social media directed at Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray. This incident occurred following the team’s 109-75 loss to the Indiana Fever.
Gray, aged 33, shared the offensive message on her Instagram story. Alongside the screenshot, she commented on the pressure athletes face to remain silent, quoting, “And the audacity to tell us as athletes to ‘shut up and dribble.’"
The company released a statement expressing that the individual’s actions violated multiple policies and do not align with their values. They confirmed the person is no longer employed by them.
The Las Vegas Aces have not yet responded to requests for comment. Gray expressed her gratitude on social media for the support and messages she received.
This is not an isolated event. Online harassment against WNBA players is escalating. Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams received hate messages related to a prop bet. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas encountered racial slurs and threats after an incident during a game.
Thomas criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for lack of adequate player protection. She voiced her frustration over the increased harassment, stating, “There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”
Clark, a fellow player, and Fever coach Stephanie White both condemned the hate targeted at Thomas. White addressed the increase in toxicity and hate, saying it is utterly unacceptable.