Fever GM defends fan base: Attacks 'have no basis in reality'

Indiana Fever general manager Amber Cox defended the team's fan base after they were criticized for interactions with opposition players following A'ja Wilson's confrontation with a fan during the opening round of the playoffs.

"The attacks on our fan base have no basis in reality, and they need to stop, especially with members of the media," Cox told reporters Saturday, including ESPN's Kareem Copeland. "I'm talking about media who have never been to a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse."

Cox continued: "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."

During the fourth quarter of Indiana's Game 2 matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson crossed the baseline to approach a fan who had stood up, pointed at the four-time MVP, and directed words at her.

"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," Cox added.

Following a heated exchange with the fan, officials assessed Wilson a technical foul.

Meanwhile, the fan later returned to their seat after arena security spoke with other witnesses courtside and determined there was no violation of the fan code of conduct.

"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," Cox said. "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 (Indiana) Pacers. And all of that is within the code of conduct."

Former Fever forward Brianna Turner, who's now a member of the Aces, disputed Cox's statement on social media.

"This is an unequivocally false statement," Turner wrote. "Players inside and outside the organization have repeatedly issued complaints with the Fever fan base. While it's not all Indy fans, it's certainly a trend. To say the attacks have 'no basis in reality' is disingenuous."