WNBA Security Asked Fans to Cover Shirts at Atlanta Dream Game, League Issues Apology
Security staff at a recent Atlanta Dream game asked spectators wearing shirts with a controversial message to cover them; the WNBA later said the request should not have occurred, and the team issued its own statement.
Security personnel at an Atlanta Dream home game on Sunday asked several attendees wearing shirts bearing the "XX-XY" slogan to cover the garments. The league later released a statement indicating that the request was inappropriate and should not have happened.
"The WNBA is aware of interactions at last night's game in Atlanta in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts. This should not have happened," the league said. The Dream organization also issued a statement, noting that its staff were not involved in the security team's decision and reaffirming its commitment to a safe and inclusive environment for all fans. "The Atlanta Dream believes in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Unfortunately, at last night's game, WNBA security took actions that fell short of that standard. At no point was Dream personnel involved in the decisions made by WNBA security," the team said. The incident has sparked discussion about how the league and its teams handle apparel that conveys political or social messages, particularly those related to transgender issues.