Wings’ Jose Fernandez backs reporter who left beat amid fan harassment

The Dallas Wings snapped their three-game losing streak on Wednesday after beating the Toronto Tempo, 94-88, at College Park Center.

The Tempo mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, but the Wings, who led by as much as 18 points, fended them off, led by Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. Dallas played without Azi Fudd and Jessica Sheppard, who were dealing with a knee injury and an ankle injury, respectively.

Wings coach Jose Fernandez was pleased with their performance. But before ending his postgame conference, he expressed his support for Roundtable Network’s Grant Afseth, who left the beat due to harassment by fans. Fernandez called it “really disappointing.”

“Even before I got here to Texas, there was a certain gentleman that really took a lot of pride in covering this team. A very talented reporter. Passionate, talented, prepared, and it’s really sad that he’s not in this room like he should be because of what he went through,” said Fernandez.

“Grant was at every road game, as you know. He’s always in here, not biased at all, and did his research. So I wanted to share that evidence will be missed. Hopefully, with your support and our support, we can get him back in here doing what he loves to do because he really cares about the Dallas Wings.”

Jose Fernandez closes his press conference with a statement in support of @DALHoopsJournal’s Grant Afseth, who recently stepped away from the heat after receiving harassment for his coverage.

“Nobody should go through what he went through.” pic.twitter.com/lOqi8GIa2b

— Drake (@DrakeKeeler) August 13, 2026

It was a touching gesture by the 54-year-old Fernandez, who took over the team in October. While he has known Afseth for less than a year, he did not hesitate to back him up.

Afseth, who also writes for Ballislife.com, revealed that he has received death threats due to his sharp critiques of Fudd, the No. 1 pick of this year’s draft. Fudd has had an inconsistent campaign, averaging 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 steals.

Aside from Fernandez, Afseth has also received support from his colleagues, who vouched for his professionalism, talent, and dedication.

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