Dawn Staley speaks out as Indiana Fever cut ‘elite defender’ loved by South Carolina’s Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley didn’t just speak—she erupted.

After the Indiana Fever cut a top-tier defender, one who had earned love and loyalty from South Carolina fans, Staley came out swinging. And she didn’t mince words.

“Admit it—it’s because she’s Black!” she fired off, her frustration boiling over.

The move by the Fever shocked fans who’ve followed the player’s journey—gritty, reliable, and relentless on defense. But to Staley, this wasn’t just about talent being overlooked. It was about something much deeper. Something uglier.

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“You can’t tell me there weren’t politics in that decision,” she implied. “Not when someone who’s proven herself time and again is tossed aside like that.”

The internet blew up within minutes. Former players, fans, and advocates flooded social media with support for both the player and Staley, praising her for saying what needed to be said—raw, real, and unapologetically loud.

This isn’t just a roster cut anymore. It’s a flashpoint. And Dawn Staley just lit the match.

The Indiana Fever have waived Bree Hall after the South Carolina star was selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, with Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley previously lauding her.

The Indiana Fever have released an “elite defender” in Bree Hall, who was highly praised by Dawn Staley, her coach at South Carolina, as the WNBA team announced her departure on Monday.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Fever have been active in the market, securing free agents Brianna Turner, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sydney Colson, as well as acquiring Sophie Cunningham through a multifaceted trade deal.

Although Makayla Timpson and Hall were both picked up in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Hall has since been cut from the team. Speaking of the Fever, a reporter banned from covering the team has made a surprise comeback – while star player Caitlin Clark warned her teammates before their recent game in Iowa.

Indiana also parted ways with forward Jillian Alleyne as it made further tweaks to its lineup before the season’s kickoff. This move might be unexpected for Staley, after she had lauded Hall’s skills over a successful four-year stint with the Gamecocks.

As a two-time national champion and part of the historic South Carolina undefeated season in 2024, Hall was recognized by Staley, earlier this year, as an exceptional defensive talent. Staley went on record saying: “Bree’s an elite defender.”

Staley elaborated, saying: “It’s elite – the things that she does, the people that she has to guard. In my 25 years of coaching, she’s on my all-time defensive team – all the players that I’ve coached – because she’s very consistent with it, and she relishes the challenge.”

Staley heavily praised Bree Hall ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft(Image: Getty Images)

Despite not receiving the same level of accolades as some of her peers who entered the WNBA Draft, Hall was again defended by Staley, who noted that her contributions often didn’t get the attention they deserved.

“People are watching. It’s just not the people who will give credit like other people,” Staley said. “Fans and people who really understand what’s happening out there on the floor give her her flowers, and I’m happy that they do.”

Upon being drafted by the Fever, Hall received a call from head coach Stephanie White and other Indiana executives to confirm her selection. “Thank you. I’m ready to work. I’m excited,” was Hall’s response at the time.

The pick also thrilled current Fever star Aliyah Boston, who took to social media with the post: “Big Breezy Reunion. I’m literally crying” – accompanied by teary-eyed emojis.

With salary cap constraints, the Fever plan to maintain a lean squad of 11 players next season. After a major team shake-up before the WNBA Draft, it seemed Hall, Alleyne, Timpson, Jaelyn Brown, and Yvonne Ejim were vying for a single roster spot.

Now, after the release of Hall and Alleyne, the competition in Indiana has narrowed down to a three-way contest. Hall’s departure occurred shortly after she contributed nine points in Sunday’s 108-44 victory over Team Brazil in Iowa.

Other WNBA teams have a 48-hour period to claim Hall off waivers and assume her expected rookie contract with the Fever. Coach White emphasized defense as a key focus for the team this season, which ultimately led to Hall not securing a spot on the roster.

“I think the most important thing for us is defensive versatility,” White commented post-draft.

“Now we know we have a lot of weapons on the offensive end of the floor, but on those nights when we’re not making shots, or when things are a little bit more difficult, we’ve got to be able to get stops, and we’ve got to get better in that area, no doubt about it.”