The Indiana Fever are facing allegations of a workplace misconduct cover-up after former player Brianna Turner accused the organization of firing a male staff member for sexual harassment. Turner, who played for the Fever in 2025 and now plays for the Las Vegas Aces, made her claims on social media platform X.
Turner's allegations emerged following comments made by WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, who stated she wants to "protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men." Cunningham's remarks, made during an ESPN interview, have sparked debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports.
Turner directly challenged Cunningham's stance, asserting that internal organizational issues, such as the alleged harassment incident, pose a greater threat to the game than transgender athletes. According to Turner, after the staff member was accused of sexual harassment, the Fever organization terminated his employment but reportedly instructed players not to discuss the matter publicly.
Turner contrasted the alleged actions of the former staff member with the presence of transgender athletes in sports. She pointed to former WNBA player Layshia Clarendon, who was born female and later identified as transgender, stating that Clarendon "caused zero problems" during her time in the league. Turner asserted that issues like "Sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and racism are all issues," suggesting these are more pertinent concerns than transgender inclusion.
In response to Turner's claims, the Indiana Fever issued a statement on Thursday. "Protecting our players and employees and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority," the team said. The statement further elaborated that the organization's policy is to "take concerns seriously, investigate thoroughly, and act promptly when appropriate to protect the people in our organization and ensure everyone is treated with professionalism and respect." The Fever concluded by stating, "Fostering trust and safety in that process means we do not comment on personnel matters involving former employees."
It remains unclear whether the WNBA will launch an investigation into Turner's allegations. As of Thursday, the league had not publicly commented on the matter or announced any review of the claims.