Hilton Grand Vacations has fired an employee who sent a racial slur to Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray via social media. Gray posted the message on Instagram, sparking widespread condemnation and highlighting ongoing issues of online harassment in professional sports.
The incident occurred after Gray's team lost to the Indiana Fever on Sunday. She shared the offensive message, which included a racial slur, alongside a caption criticizing the notion that athletes should 'shut up and dribble.' Hilton confirmed the termination in a statement, emphasizing that the employee's actions violated company policies and values.
Gray expressed gratitude for the public support she received, while the WNBA continues to address systemic online harassment. The league and players' union recently agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement aimed at enhancing security, mental health resources, and anti-hate measures. However, incidents like those involving Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas persist, with players reporting hate messages and threats.
Thomas has criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for perceived inaction, while other athletes argue that online harassment is a widespread issue affecting all public figures, not just WNBA players. Sportswriter Jason Whitlock noted that he regularly receives racist messages but chooses not to publicize them, contrasting with some WNBA players' approach.