Hilton Grand Vacations has fired an employee who sent a racial slur to Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray through social media following the team's 109-75 loss to the Indiana Fever.
Gray shared the offensive message on her Instagram story Monday. The company confirmed Tuesday that the individual responsible is no longer employed.
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"The person responsible for posting this information is no longer with the company," Hilton Grand Vacations stated.
"His behavior was in violation of multiple company policies and does not reflect our company’s values in any way."
The Aces did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This incident adds to a pattern of harassment faced by WNBA players.
Earlier, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas reported receiving racial slurs and death threats after a contentious game against the Fever.
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Thomas criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for what she called inadequate player protection.
"It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball," Thomas said. "Now we’re being painted as thugs.
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."
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The harassment has raised concerns within the WNBA, especially after a recent collective bargaining agreement aimed at enhancing player safety and addressing fan conduct.
