The WNBA is dealing with toxicity that has hit absolutely unprecedented levels. We’re talking about former NBA players making totally ridiculous statements just for attention, and others pushing an anti-trans agenda that has no place in sports. Now, though, it’s gotten even worse: media members are getting death threats. The consequences of these unhinged social media attacks are usually hidden, with victims suffering in silence. But not anymore. Grant Afseth, who covers the Dallas Wings, just had to step away from his beat because of recent threats against his life.
Stepping Away From The Heat
Afseth laid it out there himself on August 12, 2026. He’s not reporting on the Wings in person, and he’s gonna stop tweeting anything beyond links. His website will still have articles on Dallas teams, but he doesn’t consider that regular enough to say he’s “covering” the Wings anymore. This is a huge, gut-wrenching move for a dedicated beat writer. Seriously, think about it: someone’s life is precious, and to threaten it over basketball, of all things, is just reprehensible and inexplicable. Nobody should have to go through that. The fact that a journalist who just wants to do his job has to literally step away from covering a team because of death threats is a massive red flag for the entire league.
Coaches Step Up To The Mic
Thankfully, some coaches are stepping up and speaking out. Wings head coach Jose Fernandez made a super strong statement supporting Afseth during a pregame press conference. He was absolutely disgusted, saying, “It’s really disappointing. I’m 54 years old, father of five. I have a great agent and a team of people that look at stuff. We have incredible security here with the Dallas Wings organization.” He even joked to Pam Flenke, the senior vice president, chief communications officer, that maybe after the season he’d do a “take the trash out Tuesday” and print out everything similar to what Grant endured. Fernandez got his own social media hacked, so he knows firsthand. “If that’s happening to coaches in this league, just imagine what players are getting. Which is very, very disappointing,” he said. He praised Afseth, saying Grant was at every road game, always there, not biased, and did his research. Fernandez made it clear: “He will be missed. Hopefully with y’all’s support and with our support we can get him back in here doing what he loves to do because he really cares about the Dallas Wings. And nobody should have to go through what he went through.” And Fernandez isn’t alone. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White also made a bold statement of her own about this garbage.
This kind of toxicity has to end, and it has to end now. It’s not just about one beat writer or one coach; it’s about the integrity of the game and the safety of everyone involved. These coaches speaking up, laying it all on the line, that’s what we need more of. They’re setting an example for accountability, and frankly, the league needs to follow their lead and ensure nobody else has to endure what Grant Afseth just did.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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