WNBA star Chelsea Gray posts screenshot of alleged racist insult from fan after loss to Caitlin Clark's Fever

WNBA star Caitlin Clark publicly responds after being punched in the throat during a game by Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas. Clark expresses frustration that the incident overshadows the game. Thomas then criticizes Clark for remaining silent about the incident, lamenting that 'our lives are being threatened.'

Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray posted a screenshot of an alleged Instagram direct message she received after her loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday.

The screenshot contained an alleged racial slur against Gray, and included the user's profile name and photo.

Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces drives against Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever in the second quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 12, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

"People act like we just make this s--- up. And the audacity to tell us as athletes to 'shut up and dribble,'" Gray wrote under the screenshot.

SUSPENDED ALYSSA THOMAS RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM TEAMMATE & COACH AFTER CHEAP SHOT ON CAITLIN CLARK

The Fever defeated the Aces 109-75, as Clark had 12 points with seven rebounds and six assists. The Fever guard continued to work her way back to a full-time role after suffering a back injury on June 24.

The game against the Aces came amid heightened tension among WNBA fans and players which followed the incident where Clark was punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas during a June 24 game between the Fever and Phoenix Mercury.

Chelsea Gray #8 of the United States during team warm-up before the USA V Germany, USA basketball showcase Women's basketball match in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games at The O2 Arena on July 23rd, 2024, in London, England. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via