Las Vegas Aces Issue Strong Statement Condemning Racist Abuse Against Chelsea Gray

Aces Condemn Racism Against Star Player

The Las Vegas Aces have taken a strong stance against racist messages aimed at their star guard, Chelsea Gray, following a recent incident involving a fired employee. The team’s official statement unequivocally condemns all forms of hate speech and expresses solidarity with Gray and others facing similar abuse.

Incident Details

The incident took place shortly after the Aces suffered a 109-75 defeat to the Indiana Fever. Gray shared a screenshot of a direct message she received that included racial slurs, notably the N-word. The individual responsible for the offensive message was an employee at Hilton Grand Vacations and has since been terminated from his position.

In its statement, the Aces shared, "The Las Vegas Aces organization unequivocally condemns the hateful and racist messages recently directed at Chelsea Gray. We do not tolerate hate speech of any type, whether it's online, in the arena, or anywhere within our community." This declaration emphasizes the team's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all players.

Support from the League

Following the Aces' announcement, the WNBA voiced its support, reiterating the necessity for respect and inclusion within the league. The official WNBA account posted, "The WNBA fully supports the Las Vegas Aces' statement and stands with Chelsea and every member of our league. There is no place for this behavior in sports or anywhere."

Furthermore, the league highlighted its dedication to protecting players and maintaining a safe environment. With previous instances of hate directed toward other WNBA players, such as Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas receiving death threats, the value of these statements is underscored.

A Call for Accountability

The Aces also commended Hilton Grand Vacations for their swift action in holding the employee accountable. Their statement further reads, "We stand with organizations, like Hilton Grand Vacations, that hold individuals accountable for racist conduct. No athlete should ever face this type of abuse for playing the game they love."

The Aces concluded their statement by affirming their unwavering support for all players within the league, stating, "To all our players and the entire WNBA community, you have our unwavering support in fighting against all forms of racism, hate speech and harassment. You are all valued members of this league, and we stand with you today and always."