On Sunday, the Seattle Storm defeated the New York Liberty 78-69. The Storm secured their victory with contributions from a few players, one of them being forward Natasha Howard.
Howard scored 14 points in 25 minutes as the Storm won by nine points. However, Howard’s game comes after allegations made on social media.
Howard’s wife went on Twitter and made allegations towards Howard. She posted videos saying that Howard threatened and abused her and screenshots of conversations. The screenshots were conversations with Howard, Howard’s agent as well as Seattle Storm General Manager Alisha Valavanis. The allegations were all over social media and caught the attention of the WNBA.
When the allegations surfaced, both the Storm and the WNBA made statements regarding the allegations. Valavanis said that the team is aware of the allegations and is in communication with the league.
The organization is aware of the recent allegations against Natasha. We are in communication with the league and looking into them,” the team said in a statement from Brummel and CEO/general manager Alisha Valavanis.
When asked if Howard would play in Sunday’s game, Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel made a statement regarding the situation.
Natasha will play in the game tonight,” Storm co-owner Lisa Brummel said in a statement. “We are in continued communication with the [WNBA], and their investigation is now in process.”
The WNBA said the league plans to gather additional information. Alex Coffey of the Athletic sent out a tweet of a WNBA spokesperson’s statement.
Howard’s allegations are the second domestic violence incident the WNBA has encountered this season. Los Angeles Sparks guard Riquna Williams was arrested in April after attacking her then-girlfriend at a Florida home. Williams had her hearing postponed and is with the Sparks this season. She averages 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
Howard averages 17.6 points and 8.5 rebounds this season. Recently, she became a starter at the All-Star Game for the first time in her career this season.
As of now, no legal charges have been filed against Howard.
The WNBA had previous experience with domestic violence in 2015. Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner and Dallas Wings forward Glory Johnson were arrested on charges of assault and disorderly conduct back then. The WNBA responded by suspending both players seven games after Griner pled guilty to disorderly conduct charges. As the league learns more about the situation, there is a chance they do the same for Howard. Until then, Howard will continue to play.