Chelsea Gray reports racist abuse after clash with Clark

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray publicly condemned racist abuse directed at her following a physical on-court incident with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during a game on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Gray shared a screenshot of a direct message containing a racial slur on her Instagram story on Monday, July 13, stating that such harassment is a reality athletes face and criticizing the sentiment that players should "shut up and dribble."

The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Fever's 109-75 victory over the Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. While being defended by Clark in the post, Gray used a move that resulted in her elbow making contact with Clark's midsection. Clark fell to the floor in visible pain, prompting officials to review the play for a potential hostile act. After review, the call stood as a common defensive foul on Clark, a decision that frustrated the Fever player. Gray and Aces coach Becky Hammon had protested the decision to review the play.

Gray's experience mirrors that of another WNBA player, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who last month revealed she received death threats and racial slurs after being suspended one game for a...