The online goons picking on sports reporters have nearly become an everyday occurrence. But this time, Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez had enough.

A recent incident of Wings’ beat reporter Grant Afseth stepping down from his role due to harsh online criticism and harassment has spread like wildfire. Things have taken quite an extreme form, and Fernandez believed no one should go through all that for simply doing their job.

“Even before I got here to Texas, there was a certain gentleman that really took a lot of pride in covering this team,” he stated in the postgame conference after Dallas beat Toronto Tempo 94-88 this Wednesday. “It’s really sad that he’s not in this room like he should be because of what he went through.”

It all goes back to Afseth’s criticism of Dallas’ 2026 No.1 overall draft pick Azzi Fudd for her inconsistent 13.1PPG, 1.7 REB and 1.8 AST season. Fans who harassed Afseth felt the journalist was too harsh about Fudd. This incident deeply disappointed the HC.

“Nobody that covers any sports team should go through this. And it’s really disappointing,” the coach added to the same segment. “Grant was at every road game; as you know, he’s always in here, not biased at all, did his research. So, I wanted to share that evidence will be missed.”

But Fernandez didn’t stop at just defending Afseth.

Wings Coach Wants to Bring Back Grant Afseth

Fernandez already highlighted Afseth’s work ethic, calling him “Passionate, talented, prepared,” someone who loved the team and covered them relentlessly by being present at every road game. So, the next obvious thing to do is bring him back.

“Hopefully, with y’all’s support and our support, we can get him back in here doing what he loves to do,” the HC added. “Because he really cares about the Dallas Wings. And nobody should have to go through what he went through. So, I’m going to leave it at that.”

And this might even be possible, given how many colleagues stood by the exiled reporter, including his managing editor Sara Jane Gamelli. Everyone seems to hold Afseth in high regard for his professionalism and dedication.

How do you think this incident will unfold? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy