Aces superstar A'ja Wilson and the Storm's Erica Wheeler got tangled up during Sunday's game near the sideline, right next to fans sitting courtside. As Wilson checked on Wheeler to make sure she was okay, a few Storm fans apparently hurled insults at her, which prompted Wilson to implore the fans to calm down. Wilson explained the moment to reporters following the game, noting that she hopes fans will refrain from instigating after tough plays and fouls.
"So I was just letting the fans just kind of relax," Wilson said. "We're not here to hurt anyone. We're not... it's a basketball play and that's what it's gonna do. We're gonna continue to make basketball plays and it's gonna be physical is what we're trained to do."
She also pointed out that fans need to trust the athletes on the court completely. "But that was my biggest thing, which is kind of be a fan. Yes, cheer for your team. That's okay, but at the same time, this is our job. I'm not gonna hurt E Dub, but she knows that," Wilson said.
Fan behavior is becoming a problem in the WNBA
This is hardly the first time fans have inserted themselves into something that happened on the court this season (and we're only just in the second month of play). In mid-May, the WNBA launched an investigation into fan comments after accusations of racism were lobbed at Indiana Fever fans following a contentious and dramatic exchange between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Despite the fact that both Clark and Reese insisted the foul wasn't that bad — like Wilson, they both noted Clark's flagrant foul against Reese was a basketball play — it kicked off wild exchanges that played out amongst fans online. Ultimately, the league found no racism at play.
"Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it," the league said in a statement on May 27.
By making this comment, Wilson demonstrated her capacity as a leader on and off the court. She set boundaries for herself and her colleagues — boundaries that will keep everyone (including fans) safe. Wilson also made a point to address fans in real time at the game, something that players don't always feel empowered to do. The WNBA veteran, last year's MVP and arguably the face of the league, is paving the way for better conduct (whether disgruntled fans like it or not).