The man accused of sending Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray a racist Instagram direct message has been fired from his position with Hilton Grand Vacations, according to a statement from the company.
“The person responsible for posting this information is no longer with the company,” Hilton Grand Vacations said in a Tuesday, July 14, statement. “His behavior was in violation of multiple company policies and does not reflect our company’s values in any way.”
Gray, 33, posted a screenshot of the message, which she said she received after the Aces lost, 109-75, to the Indiana Fever on Sunday, July 12, via Instagram on Monday.
“People act like we just make this s*** up,” she wrote alongside the screenshot. “And the audacity to tell us as athletes to ‘shut up and dribble.'”
The Aces, who don’t play again until Saturday, July 20, released a statement on Wednesday standing by their veteran guard.
“The Aces organization unequivocally condemns the hateful and racist messages recently directed at Chelsea Gray,” the statement read. “We do not tolerate hate speech of any type, whether it’s online, in the arena, or anywhere within our community. We stand behind those who have the courage to speak up for themselves. We are united with anyone who has been targeted by this type of unacceptable behavior.”
The Aces also applauded Hilton Grand Vacations for taking action.
“We stand with organizations, like Hilton Grand Vacations, that hold individuals accountable for racist conduct,” the statement continued. “We commend them for the swift manner in which they acted in addressing this matter. No athlete should ever face this type of abuse for playing the game they love.”
The WNBA, which has faced criticism in the past for allegedly failing to adequately protect its players from fan harassment, also released a strongly worded statement.
“We unequivocally condemn racism and all forms of hate,” the league said. “There is no place for this behavior in sports or anywhere, and we remain committed to protecting the players and fostering an environment built on respect and inclusion.”
Their statement came just two weeks after Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury said she received death threats following her controversial foul against the Fever’s Caitlin Clark on June 24.
“We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threaten our lives,” Thomas told reporters at a June 30 practice. “Leaking addresses out there. Putting crazy pictures that have nothing to do with basketball.”
She added, “It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”
