Storm being investigated for alleged player mistreatment: source

The Storm’s coaching staff is currently under investigation for alleged player mistreatment, as per a source disclosed to the Sun-Times on Friday.

A law firm hired by the team is currently looking into accusations of alleged harassment and bullying by the coaching staff linked to on-court performance during the 2024 season, according to the source. The allegations primarily arose from incidents that occurred during practice and games. An email from the law firm, obtained by the Sun-Times, indicated that the investigation has been ongoing for a minimum of two weeks.

When contacted by the Sun-Times, the Storm opted not to provide a comment. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association confirmed awareness of an investigation regarding a team, but chose not to disclose any further details. The WNBA did not respond to the Sun-Times’ request for comment.

Noelle Quinn was promoted to head coach in 2021 following long-time coach Dan Hughes’ retirement. Quinn had been part of Hughes’ coaching staff as an assistant for a couple of seasons. Assistant coaches Perry Huang and Ebony Hoffman joined her staff in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2022, the Storm welcomed former Sky coach Pokey Chatman as an assistant. In the following year, Chatman added the role of associate general manager, working closely with GM Talisa Rhea. Quinn signed a multiyear contract extension last year.

The Storm’s roster went through significant changes last offseason with the additions of guard Skylar Diggins-Smith and forward Nneka Ogwumike through free agency.

The team concluded the year with a 25-15 record and was defeated by the Aces in a best-of-three first-round playoff series. They had a record of 11-29 in 2023.

According to a league insider, the investigation was initiated by multiple players’ experiences.

In January, six players, including Ogwumike, center Mercedes Russell, and guard Sami Whitcomb, will become unrestricted free agents. Jewell Loyd, a Niles West product, will also be a free agent in 2026 following a two-year contract extension last year.