Former Indiana Fever forward Brianna Turner alleged on Wednesday that the WNBA franchise encouraged players to “keep quiet” about a story of a male employee being fired for sexual harassment last season.
The franchise has now issued a statement in response, affirming its commitment to protecting its players and employees.
Indiana Fever Issue Statement After Brianna Turner Claims Team Kept a Sexual Harassment Incident Secret
Turner, who now plays for the Las Vegas Aces, was part of the Fever roster last year. The 30-year-old shared a series of posts on X on Thursday, lending her support to the trans community and hitting out at the “fear mongering and bigotry” that exists against them.
In the thread, Turner also argued that there remains a much bigger issue in the WNBA and society as a whole. She also noted how players continue to face several forms of discrimination.
“Last year on my WNBA team a male staff member was fired for sexual harassment, but we were encouraged to keep quiet about it. That is an issue. Sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and racism are all issues,” Turner wrote on X.
The Fever issued a statement in response to Turner’s comments on Thursday. The franchise acknowledged its focus on employee safety but declined to discuss the specific personnel issue.
“Protecting our players and employees and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority. Our policy is to take concerns seriously, investigate thoroughly, and act promptly when appropriate to protect the people in our organization and ensure everyone is treated with professionalism and respect. Fostering trust and safety in that process means we do not comment on personnel matters involving former employees,” the statement read (as shared by Annie Costabile of The Athletic).
Statement from the Indiana Fever in response to last night’s post from former Fever forward Brianna Turner alleging “a male staffer was fired for sexual harassment” last year. pic.twitter.com/je7TSH67rc
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) July 23, 2026
The WNBA has been mired in controversy this season, and player safety has been very much in the spotlight. Several players have noted that they have faced abuse, harassment, and even death threats on social media.
Several U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert earlier this month, calling for the league to provide better protection to players against all forms of abuse.
Meanwhile, Turner’s comments advocating for the trans community came after Fever star Sophie Cunningham spoke out against transgender athletes being allowed to compete in women’s sports. The issue has been the subject of much debate in the United States in recent months.
