Sky coach and general manager James Wade confirmed Thursday afternoon that the WNBA is investigating an incident that took place during the team’s game against the Atlanta Dream in which an official used the racist term “boy” toward him.
The league has yet to issue a statement despite the Sky and Wade expressing deep discomfort with the language used by this official. The Sky hoped the league would take swift action in the matter. Almost two days have passed since this incident took place.
“I want accountability,” Wade said.
A Sky spokesperson said that Wade was interviewed by league security on Wednesday.
Wade added that he didn’t know if there was a racist intent behind the official’s words, “hey, explain to your boy,” but he and his team felt disrespected by the exchange.
Diamond DeShields was the player to whom the official made the statement, but team staff and other players heard. DeShields was also interviewed by league security on Wednesday, a team official said. Wade said he’s never seen an official talk to a player about their coach in that manner before.
“My players look to me for counseling, advice and direction,” Wade said. “I’m directing this ball club. I’m not their boy.”
This is not an isolated incident for Wade. During a 2019 game against the Washington Mystics, following Astou Ndour-Fall’s ejection after accidentally bumping into an official, Wade was accused of being aggressive by an official. The statement made Wade and his entire coaching staff feel extremely uncomfortable.
The head official that night apologized to Wade and agreed with his sentiments that calling him aggressive was unacceptable.
Wade said he feels supported by his team and the Sky organization. He talked to someone within the league offices on Wednesday and said it was a good conversation, but their support remains to be seen.
Though the WNBA and NBA share a security division, the investigation is being led by the WNBA league office.
The team is preparing for its game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Wintrust Arena tomorrow at 7 p.m. Wade said he does not expect Candace Parker to play as she’s still recovering from an ankle sprain. Allie Quigley will be out tomorrow with a hamstring injury.
Rookie Stephanie Watts said the team is supporting Wade and expects the league to take action.
“We’re hoping better results,” Watt said. “We’re hoping that there is action taken because it’s unacceptable.”
