The Indiana Fever are facing new scrutiny after former player Brianna Turner accused the organization of firing a male staff member over sexual harassment allegations during her time with the team, weighing in after Sophie Cunningham’s comments on trans athletes.
Turner, a Fever player in 2025 and now with the Las Vegas Aces, made the allegations on X after Cunningham defended women’s sports for biological females during an ESPN interview.
Brianna Turner #11 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against the Las Vegas Aces during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs on Sept. 28, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. (NBAE via Getty Images)
Cunningham said she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
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Turner barked at Cunningham’s claims, saying organizations like the Fever are a greater threat to the game than trans athletes. According to Turner, the Fever fired a male staff member after allegations of sexual harassment but instructed players not to discuss the matter publicly.
Brianna Turner #11 of the Indiana Fever looks on during Round One Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces on Sept. 23, 2025, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (NBAE via Getty Images)
She madly defended trans inclusion, pointing to former WNBA player Layshia Clarendon, who was born female before later identifying as transgender.
“To date there’s been one out trans player in the league. They caused zero problems,” Turner wrote on X.
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Turner contrasted that with the alleged conduct of the fired staff member, adding, “That is an issue. Sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and racism are all issues.”
Brianna Turner #21 of the Las Vegas Aces gets ready to throw autographed T-shirts to fans after the Aces’ 99-84 victory over the Dallas Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 25, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. (Getty Images)
The Indiana Fever released a statement Thursday in response to Turner’s claims.
“Protecting our players and employees and maintaining a respectful, professional workplace is our top priority,” the Fever said.
“Our 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 team concluded, “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 review Turner’s allegations.
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As of Thursday, the league had not announced an investigation or publicly commented.
Send us your thoughts: [email protected] / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
