The WNBA was already embroiled in one domestic violence controversy with the case involving Riquna Williams of the Los Angeles Sparks.
It looks as if it is now caught up in yet another.
Late Saturday afternoon, the Seattle Storm announced it was looking into allegations of domestic violence against forward Natasha Howard, who was recently voted in to her first-ever All-Star Game.
Joint statement from Seattle Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel and CEO & GM Alisha Valavanis: ”The organization is aware of the recent allegations against Natasha. We are in communication with the league and looking into them.”
— Alex Coffey (@cafecita_) July 13, 2019
Statement from a WNBA spokesperson: “We are aware of the situation involving Natasha Howard and are in the process of gathering additional information.”
— Alex Coffey (@cafecita_) July 13, 2019
Howard’s wife alleged on Twitter details of what she says is proof of acts of domestic violence and other abusive acts committed by the Storm forward. There were also text exchanges with Storm brass, including her agent and Seattle general manager Alisha Valavanis.
Her wife says much of what she says took place occurred in the offseason in Russia.
As of now, Howard is not facing any punishment from either the Storm or the WNBA … and it was announced that she would participate in the Storm’s Sunday home contest at Alaska Airlines Arena with the New York Liberty.
As others have pointed out as well, the WNBA does not have an explicitly defined domestic violence policy. But the calls for such a policy to become a key part of collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the WNBPA will likely grow louder with this case on top of the Williams case.
One of the priorities for @CathyEngelbert as soon as she officially becomes @WNBA commissioner should be working with the union on a clear and comprehensive domestic violence policy. This is my viewpoint.
— Mechelle Voepel (@MechelleV) July 13, 2019
