Former Indiana Fever player says team urged silence after staffer's dismissal for harassment
Brianna Turner alleged that the Indiana Fever encouraged players to stay quiet after a male staff member was fired for sexual harassment, while the team said it prioritizes a respectful workplace and does not comment on former employees.
Former Indiana Fever forward Brianna Turner, now with the Las Vegas Aces, said on X that the team asked players to remain silent after a male staff member was terminated for sexual harassment last season. Turner posted that the incident was part of broader issues of sexism and other forms of discrimination within the organization.
The Fever responded that protecting players and staff and maintaining a professional workplace are top priorities. In a statement the team said its policy is to take concerns seriously, investigate thoroughly and act promptly, adding that it does not comment on personnel matters involving former employees.
According to a source familiar with the case, the dismissed employee made a vulgar, disrespectful comment in a private conversation with another staffer. The remark was not heard by players, was reported immediately, and led to the staffer’s termination the same day. The source said players were informed of the situation after it occurred and were never instructed to keep quiet. No law enforcement involvement was reported.
The comments from Turner came amid renewed debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports, sparked by statements from Fever star Sophie Cunningham. The Fever said it supports players’ right to express their views while welcoming fans of all backgrounds.