The echoes of Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces coaching staff are still fresh in everyone’s minds. It had stirred up plenty of buzz, especially after the Olympics, becoming a hot topic of conversation. Now, just three months later, another player-coach dispute has emerged, but this time, it’s coming from the Seattle Storm’s sidelines, with WNBA veteran Skylar Diggins-Smith a highlighted name in the controversy.

A recent report from Chicago Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile has revealed troubling news: the Seattle Storm coaching staff is now under investigation following allegations of player mistreatment during the 2024 season. “A law firm hired by the team is looking into accusations of alleged harassment and bullying tied to on-court performance against the coaching staff, a source said. The allegations stem from incidents that happened at practice and during games. An email from the law firm, obtained by the Sun-Times, showed that the investigation has been active for at least two weeks,” mentioned Costabile’s Chicago Sun-Times report.

A WNBA spokesperson confirmed they knew the report but declined to comment. While Costabile’s coverage indicated that the experiences of multiple players sparked the investigation, one name stands out in particular. Circling Seattle Sports (CSS) also published a report on the issue, drawing attention to the player at the center of the controversy.

According to CSS reports, Skylar Diggins-Smith has been at the center of several heated outbursts during practice, with her fiery comments—often laced with profanity—aimed at teammates. The situation, according to sources, appears to have been fueled by a lack of strong leadership, something that franchises have wanted since the departure of veterans like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart.

This controversy comes as the WNBA grapples with broader questions about player treatment and workplace dynamics. Earlier this year, Dearica Hamby’s high-profile lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces alleged mistreatment by the coaching staff during her pregnancy, sparking widespread conversation about systemic issues in the league. The WNBA has since faced growing calls for transparency and stricter protocols to protect players from harassment and bullying. But for now, the Seattle Storm have something major to face.

Seattle Storm’s Leadership Void

The Seattle Storm’s ongoing struggles can be traced back to a noticeable leadership void, both on the court and from the sidelines. This issue has become more apparent since the departures of franchise cornerstones Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. Throughout the team’s history, strong voices like Lauren Jackson, Bird, Stewart, and Jewell Loyd helped rally the Storm to success. Jackson’s retirement in 2012 saw Bird and Stewart step up, leading the team to two championships in 2018 and 2020.

Following Bird’s retirement and Stewart’s free agency move in 2022, Loyd was thrust into a leadership role she had not previously been responsible for. In response, general manager Talisa Rhea and assistant coach Pokey Chatman sought to fill the gap by signing experienced veterans Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith in February. While both players were recruited for their on-court skills, their leadership experience with past teams was viewed as a key asset for the Storm moving forward.

However, as the 2024 season has progressed, it has become evident that Diggins-Smith’s leadership style has not resonated with the majority of her teammates, though it has garnered support from the coaching staff.

As the investigation into the Seattle Storm’s coaching staff continues, the future of the team’s leadership and internal dynamics remains uncertain, with key figures like Skylar Diggins-Smith at the forefront of the controversy.