As the WNBA Finals heat up, the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart has found herself dodging more than just defenders on the hardwood. It turns out the star forward is also facing a barrage of homophobic slurs and death threats off the court – and no, these attacks aren’t coming from the Aces’ defense, but from anonymous keyboard warriors who apparently have way too much time on their hands.
Things took a dark turn after Game 1 on October 10, when Stewart and her wife, Marta Xargay, began receiving a series of vile, homophobic emails. Yep, emails – because apparently, Twitter wasn’t retro enough for these haters. These messages didn’t just sling some casual, cowardly insults; they took it to a disturbing level with threats that could only come from people who missed out on basic human decency.
Stewart, who should be laser-focused on bagging her third WNBA championship, instead had to field questions about the bile spewing into her wife’s inbox. She spoke out, saying, “We love that people are engaged in our sport, but not to the point where threats and harassment are part of it.” That’s right. It’s one thing to trash-talk a team’s strategy, but homophobic emails? We’re not even going to pretend that’s on the same planet of acceptable behavior.
And for those wondering how many times Stewart has had to deal with nonsense like this, she revealed that it’s sadly not uncommon. Yet, the level of intensity here was different – probably because when these digital knuckleheads bypass Twitter and slide directly into your family’s personal email, it adds a whole new level of creepiness.
“So, basically,” Stewart explained, “my wife Marta couldn’t avoid seeing these emails. And that proximity feels different.” Translation: there’s a special place in the penalty box for people who take their online trolling from annoying to actually threatening someone’s safety.
With the attacks escalating, the couple had to bring in the New York Police Department for protection – you know, just your typical Finals prep routine, right? Xargay, no doubt juggling her own anxiety while supporting her wife, was at the forefront of the harassment, leading the duo to prioritize their family’s security as much as Stewart’s buzzer-beaters.
The WNBA, for its part, didn’t stay silent. They jumped in with supportive statements, condemning racism and homophobia. But Stewart, ever the leader, pushed for more. “It’s great that the league’s got our back,” she said, “but it’s time for some real action to protect players and their families.” Clearly, Stewart’s not here for empty words; she wants actual change. You know, like making sure players are focused on winning championships, not dodging hate mail.
Despite all of this, Stewart isn’t letting the threats derail her mission. She’s still firmly in the driver’s seat as the Liberty chase their first-ever championship. The final whistle hasn’t blown on this series – and if we know Stewart, it’s clear she’ll be fighting till the last second, both for the trophy and for the respect and safety that every player deserves.
In the meantime, here’s hoping that the only thing Stewart has to dodge in the coming games is the Aces’ defense, not the gross vitriol from the internet’s worst. Because let’s be honest, if you’ve got time to send homophobic death threats to athletes, maybe it’s time to rethink your hobbies.
Lesson learned: focus on your own game, or at least learn how to lose with dignity.