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Alexa Philippou, ESPN
MINNEAPOLIS — Two-time MVP Breanna Stewart on Tuesday stated her spouse acquired a threatening, anti-gay e mail following the New York Liberty‘s loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Sport 1 of the WNBA Finals.
“Myself and my household, we’re undoubtedly doing OK,” Stewart informed reporters Tuesday. “We’re taking the right precautions.”
Stewart reported the incident to the Liberty and to the league, whereas her spouse, Marta Xargay Casademont, reported the incident to police.
“I feel that for Marta, particularly, I feel it was, it’s, terrifying,” Stewart stated.
In Game 1 on Thursday, Stewart missed a free throw that might have given New York the lead with 0.8 seconds remaining in regulation, and she or he later misfired on a layup that might have tied it on the finish of extra time.
The collection is now tied 1-1 after Stewart and the Liberty bounced back in Game 2 in Brooklyn.
“With the highlight of being within the Finals and all the pieces like that, they stated it makes essentially the most sense to [file something formal],” Stewart stated.
Stewart added “there was another issues taking place on the similar time” and that “threats continued to construct after Sport 1.”
“[The threat was] one thing that she could not not see,” Stewart stated of Xargay Casademont. “So the extent of closeness was somewhat bit totally different. And I feel that we simply wish to make sure that, clearly, myself and Marta are OK, however our youngsters are those which are the most secure.”
Stewart, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time nationwide champion at UConn, and Xargay Casademont have two youngsters: Ruby, 3, and Theo, who turns 1 on the finish of the month.
“There’s one other degree of invasion taking place there,” Stewart stated. “[We want to make] positive that this is not taking place solely only for a scare tactic. And whether it is, it nonetheless is extremely inappropriate and unacceptable.”
The incident comes as many WNBA gamers have stated they’ve skilled an uptick of racist, misogynistic, anti-gay and in any other case vitriolic conduct directed towards them in a season the place the league has exploded in recognition and development.
DiJonai Carrington and Angel Reese are amongst gamers who’ve stated they have been on the receiving finish of threatening messages.
“We love that individuals are engaged in our sport, however to not the purpose the place there’s threats or harassment or homophobic feedback being made,” Stewart stated. “So we’re simply persevering with to let the league know. They’re dealing with it, but additionally, I feel for me, simply proceed to make use of this platform to ensure that everybody is aware of that it is unacceptable to deliver to our sport and actually into the world.”
A WNBA spokesperson informed The Related Press: “We proceed to emphasise that there’s completely no room for hateful or threatening feedback made about gamers, groups or anybody affiliated with the WNBA. We’re conscious of the latest matter and are working with league and staff safety in addition to legislation enforcement on acceptable safety measures.”
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Thursday stated “the hateful speech and threats directed at our gamers are troubling.” She stated the league will work with the gamers’ affiliation and groups on taking a “multidimensional” strategy — “using expertise, prioritizing psychological well being, reinforcing bodily safety and growing monitoring.”
“We all know there’s extra work to be carried out, and as a league, we’re absolutely dedicated to listening to the gamers and different stakeholders on this and different vital points,” Engelbert stated.
Stewart on Tuesday stated everybody has been “step-in-step” in serving to assist her and her household since Thursday, whereas prompting Engelbert and the league to “proceed to ensure that they’re forward of this … and be prepared for motion, so even me and Marta aren’t [wondering what to do].”
“There must be somewhat little bit of like a protocol or a factor earlier than the season, as a result of this yr particularly is one it is actually beginning to occur,” Stewart added.