The Chicago Sky players were allegedly harassed by a man with a camera outside their Washington, D.C., hotel on Wednesday. General manager Jeff Pagliocca stated that the man was focused on Sky guard Chennedy Carter and approached her and her teammates as they arrived on the team bus. The situation was defused by the Sky’s security team, who quickly escorted the man away. Pagliocca praised the security team for always making the players feel safe and emphasized the importance of their role in protecting the team.
Players Angel Reese, Isabelle Harrison, and Michaela Onyenwere took to social media to express their shock and frustration at the incident. Reese described the man’s actions as “nasty work” and called for the harassment to stop. Harrison thanked the security team for preventing any further escalation of the situation, while Onyenwere emphasized the need for boundaries to be respected, especially when players are being targeted as they arrive at their hotel. The players noted that while security did a great job handling the situation, it was still a strange and uncomfortable experience.
The incident has sparked discussions about safety and respect for athletes, particularly female athletes in the WNBA. The players expressed gratitude for the security team’s quick response and their efforts to protect the team. The Sky are currently in Washington, D.C., for a game against the Mystics, with tip-off scheduled for Thursday evening. The team is focused on preparing for the game and ensuring the players feel safe and supported despite the unsettling encounter with the man outside their hotel. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in the public eye and the importance of security measures in safeguarding their well-being.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported on the incident and highlighted the swift actions taken by the Sky’s security team to ensure the players’ safety. The report quoted Pagliocca expressing confidence in the security team’s ability to protect the players and manage such situations effectively. The team’s general manager emphasized the crucial role that security plays in making the players feel secure and protected, both on and off the court. The report also mentioned the players’ reactions on social media, where they condemned the harassment and called for greater respect and boundaries to be observed.
The situation involving the man with the camera outside the Sky players’ hotel has raised concerns about player safety and privacy. The players’ public statements on social media and the team’s response underscore the need for measures to protect athletes from harassment and intrusive behavior. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in the public eye and the importance of maintaining boundaries and respect for their privacy. As the Sky prepare for their game against the Mystics, they are focused on ensuring the players’ well-being and maintaining a safe and secure environment for the team.
