Seattle Storm Investigation Concludes: No Violations Found
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm have officially closed the chapter on a recent investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying within their coaching staff. On Wednesday, the team announced that an external investigation into the matter found no violations of workplace policies.
In a statement provided to ESPN, the Storm addressed the situation, saying, “The Storm recently received internal allegations of potential workplace policy violations. The organization retained an outside investigator to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations. The investigation has been completed, and there were no findings of policy violations or any discrimination, harassment, or bullying.”
The team emphasized their commitment to maintaining a respectful work environment, adding, “To protect the integrity of the process, and to preserve confidentiality, we chose not to comment while the investigation was ongoing. The Storm will continue to provide a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.”
How It All Began
The investigation first came to light on Nov. 15, when the Chicago Sun-Times broke the story. ESPN later confirmed the report, revealing that the investigation had been active for at least two weeks by that point. According to the Sun-Times, the probe was initiated after multiple players shared their experiences, raising concerns about potential mistreatment.
While the details of the allegations remain confidential, the conclusion of the investigation brings some closure to a situation that had cast a shadow over the team during the offseason. The Storm’s decision to bring in an external investigator highlights their commitment to transparency and fairness in addressing such serious claims.
Spotlight on the Coaching Staff
At the center of the investigation was head coach Noelle Quinn, a former WNBA player who just wrapped up her fourth season leading the Storm. Under Quinn’s guidance, the team finished the 2024 season with a solid 25-15 record. However, their playoff run was cut short after a 2-0 series loss to the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the WNBA playoffs.
Quinn’s coaching staff included some notable names in the basketball world. Former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman, former WNBA head coach Pokey Chatman, and Perry Huang served as assistant coaches during the 2024 season. Huang, who had been with the Storm for seven seasons and also coached in the G League, departed after the playoffs to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team as an assistant to Zach Guthrie.
What’s Next for the Storm?
With the investigation now behind them, the Seattle Storm can focus on preparing for the 2025 WNBA season. The team’s strong performance in 2024, despite their early playoff exit, shows promise for the future. However, the offseason will be critical for rebuilding trust and ensuring that the organization continues to foster a positive and respectful environment for players and staff alike.
Here’s a quick recap of the key points:
- The Seattle Storm faced allegations of harassment and bullying within their coaching staff.
- An external investigation found no violations of workplace policies.
- Head coach Noelle Quinn led the team to a 25-15 record in 2024, with a first-round playoff exit against the Las Vegas Aces.
- Assistant coach Perry Huang left the team after the playoffs to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League staff.
While the investigation’s findings may bring relief to some, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing workplace concerns promptly and thoroughly. The Storm’s handling of the situation demonstrates their commitment to upholding the values of respect and integrity, both on and off the court.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, stories like this highlight the challenges and responsibilities that come with being part of a professional sports organization. For the Seattle Storm, the focus now shifts to the future, where they’ll aim to build on their successes and continue to be a model franchise in the league.
Originally Written by: Michael Voepel
