Hilton Grand Vacations has terminated an employee for sending a racial slur via social media to Chelsea Gray, a Las Vegas Aces guard, following the team’s loss to the Indiana Fever. Gray, 33, shared the message she received on her Instagram story, highlighting the racial slur and expressing frustration at the demand for athletes to ‘shut up and dribble.’
In response, Hilton Grand Vacations issued a statement confirming the individual’s termination. The company emphasized that the behavior violated multiple policies and did not align with its values.
The Las Vegas Aces have not commented yet. In a follow-up Instagram story, Gray expressed gratitude for the support she received through various messages and emails.
Online Harassment Persists
Despite the new collective bargaining agreement reached in March by the WNBA and its players’ union, online harassment remains a problem. The agreement aims to enhance player security, improve technological support, and uphold a fan code of conduct. It also includes a campaign against hate.
Instances of online harassment include Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams receiving blame-related hate messages and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas receiving racial slurs and death threats after an on-court incident. Thomas criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not adequately protecting players.
It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.
Fever coach Stephanie White and Caitlin Clark denounced the toxic and hateful environment, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of racism and homophobia within the league.
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