Fever GM defends fanbase - Attacks have no basis in reality, must stop - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — General manager Amber Cox defended the Indiana Fever fanbase during her exit-interview session with media Saturday morning, saying, «attacks on our fanbase have no basis in reality.»

There has been criticism about Fever fans and their interactions with opposing players, and the topic arose again in Game 2 of the playoffs when A'ja Wilson had a confrontation with a fan sitting behind the baseline. Wilson crossed the baseline to admonish the fan who had stood and pointed at her and had some words for the four-time MVP. Wilson received a technical and the fan was escorted out of the arena bowl, but was allowed to return. Arena security said there was no violation of the Fan Code of Conduct.

«The attacks on our fan base have no basis in reality, and they need to stop,» Cox said, «especially with members of the media.… I'm talking about media who have never been to a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Every organization in the league, every organization throughout professional sports, all the way down to youth rec leagues, have to deal with occasional bad behavior from spectators. And anyone who crosses the line in an arena or online needs to be held accountable. Like I want to be really clear about that. There is a line, and people need to be held accountable if they cross it.

»But here's the fact: we did not have one fan pointed out by a player who violated the WNBA code of conduct this season. Not one fan was removed from a game.… Our fans love this team. They're going to cheer, they're going to boo, and sometimes they might point. It's a home-court advantage for a reason, and it's the same for the Pacers. And all of that is within the code of conduct."

Wilson said the man was taking steps toward her and