New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart revealed that she and her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, have been targeted with threatening and homophobic emails following the WNBA Finals Game 1. This incident, which has shaken the couple, occurred after Stewart's missed free throws and a layup during overtime against Minnesota, tying the series at 1-1.
The emails were sent directly to Xargay Casademont’s inbox, a detail that left Stewart and her wife feeling particularly vulnerable.
"The fact that it appeared in Marta's email was something she had to notice. There was a slightly different level of familiarity," Stewart mentioned during Tuesday's practice.
She emphasized that while their primary concern is for their own safety, the safety of their two children—three-year-old Ruby and 11-month-old Theo—remains paramount.
The messages are part of a worrying trend of increasing hostility towards players in the league, raising concerns about harassment both online and offline.
Stewart expressed her wife's fear, stating, "For Marta, especially, I think it was, it is, terrifying."
Stewart reported the incident to the New York Liberty, who swiftly escalated the matter to the WNBA’s security team. In response to these threats, the couple has taken "proper precautions" to ensure their safety as they navigate the Finals.
"We appreciate the passion people have for our sport, but it crosses the line when it leads to threats, harassment, or homophobic remarks," Stewart emphasized, shedding light on the concerning nature of these incidents.
Following the advice of team officials and security, Xargay Casademont filed a formal complaint with law enforcement. The New York Police Department has confirmed receiving the report and has handed the case over to its hate crimes task force for further investigation. A department spokesperson revealed that the investigation involves a 33-year-old victim, believed to be Xargay Casademont.
Stewart noted that while she typically avoids reading direct messages, this particular incident, brought to her attention by her wife, was deeply personal. She emphasized that harassment has no place in sports, particularly in a space where inclusivity should thrive.
“For me to use this platform to let people know it’s unacceptable to bring to our sport,” Stewart stated firmly.
The rising tide of online threats has become a growing issue for players in the WNBA. Social media and email have been exploited as channels for harassment, and the league is actively working to tackle these issues.
'There is zero tolerance for hateful or threatening remarks directed at players, teams, or anyone associated with the WNBA,' a spokesperson from the league declared.
The WNBA has partnered with law enforcement to enhance security measures for players and their families.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also touched on the increase in player harassment during her pre-Finals address, noting that the league is committed to standing by its players and ensuring their mental and physical well-being.
"We must remain a strong voice against this, denouncing it at every turn, and ensuring we take every opportunity to support our players," Engelbert stated.
She mentioned plans to collaborate with the players’ union on introducing technological solutions and mental health support systems to help combat the issue.
Stewart echoed these concerns, suggesting that a formal protocol should be established to protect players from this type of harassment, as it has escalated significantly over the past season.
"There should be some sort of protocol or guidelines in place before the season, especially this year, as we're really starting to see this happen," Stewart commented.
As Game 3 of the Finals approaches, the focus remains on both the basketball court and the ongoing fight against hate, underscoring the intersection of sports and social justice. The harassment faced by Stewart and her wife is a stark reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, even in spaces like the WNBA, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.
The WNBA Finals continue with heightened attention on both the gameplay and the necessary support for players off the court, as the league vows to stand by its athletes and combat intolerance in all forms.