The Los Angeles Sparks suffered a heavy 98-67 loss to the Seattle Storm at home on Wednesday night, marking their second consecutive defeat. Their star guard, Kelsey Plum, did not participate due to a lower leg injury sustained during the previous game against the Minnesota Lynx. The timeline for her return remains uncertain.
Sparks Coach Lynne Roberts addressed Plum’s injury status:
It’s a lower leg issue. She had imaging done Sunday, and at this point we don’t know,
she said, adding,
So I don’t know, that’s going to be on her and the medical team to figure out when she’ll be back. Hopefully soon but I really don’t know.
Kelsey Plum’s Reaction to Fan Interaction Draws Online Backlash
Following the game, as the Sparks players walked from their hotel to team buses, a fan approached Kelsey Plum requesting an autograph. Plum responded with a dismissive tone, saying,
Don’t y’all find that kind of weird,
and,
I’m really turned off right now, I’m not going to lie.
Her comments quickly became a topic of debate on social media.
Numerous fans expressed dissatisfaction with her attitude. One wrote,
Why does she always seem to have an attitude lol.
Another commented,
WNBA players truly dont know how to grow their sport.
Others weighed in with frustration over her response:
It’s what you signed up for. To call them weird for wanting to capitalize on an opportunity is crazy. Could’ve easily just kept walking,
a fan remarked.
Does she think her auto is worth money or something? Just sign the damn card,
said another.
‘Turn off right now’… what??? He ain’t trying to hit on you babes. Just a fan trying to get an autograph,
added a different voice. Yet another fan wrote,
WNBA player try not to be ungrateful challenge: impossible,
highlighting ongoing fan frustrations.
Despite her initial reluctance, Plum signed one of the seven items presented by the fan before moving on.
Implications for Player-Fan Relations in the WNBA
This incident underscores tensions around fan engagement in the WNBA, especially as star players like Plum navigate injury challenges alongside public expectations. The backlash on social media reflects a broader scrutiny of how players interact with supporters in high-pressure environments. How Plum and the Sparks manage these dynamics could influence the team‘s public perception moving forward, particularly as they aim to strengthen their connection with fans amid a challenging season.