‘Unequivocally false’: WNBA players push back on Fever GM’s defense of fans’ behavior
Indiana Fever general manager Amber Cox defended the team's fanbase by claiming that no fans violated the WNBA code of conduct this season. Former player Brianna Turner and current star Kelsey Mitchell publicly rejected this assertion, describing it as false and highlighting the significant pressure players face from hostile spectators. Mitchell specifically noted that the intense media attention surrounding teammate Caitlin Clark has made it difficult for other players to feel comfortable in the arena.
- ▪Amber Cox stated that no Indiana Fever fans were removed from games or found to have violated the WNBA code of conduct during the season.
- ▪Brianna Turner, who now plays for the Las Vegas Aces, called the general manager's defense of the fanbase unequivocally false on social media.
- ▪Kelsey Mitchell revealed that she receives significant hate in her direct messages and finds it difficult to play for a team where fans may not support her personally.
- ▪The controversy arose after A'ja Wilson confronted a Fever fan during a playoff game, an incident Cox argued did not constitute a code violation.
- ▪Kelsey Mitchell indicated that the intense scrutiny associated with being Caitlin Clark's teammate contributes to the challenging environment for other players.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — US |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/04/indiana-fever-fans-criticism |
| Publication time | Sun, 04 Oct 2026 21:44:53 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-10-04T22:00:38.256Z |
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Indiana Fever have attracted plenty of attention due to players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. Photograph: Bobby Goddin/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenIndiana Fever have attracted plenty of attention due to players like Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. Photograph: Bobby Goddin/Getty ImagesIndiana Fever‘Unequivocally false’: WNBA players push back on Fever GM’s defense of fans’ behaviorIndiana GM said team’s fans were unfairly attackedFormer player Brianna Turner says fans are an issueKelsey Mitchell says some fans do not like herGuardian sport and agenciesSun 4 Oct 2026 17.44 EDTLast modified on Sun 4 Oct 2026 17.46 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIndiana Fever players past and present have pushed back on an assertion that the team’s fans are not an issue.On…
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