L.A. Sparks Fires General Manager Penny Toler For Using The N-Word After Team Loss, She Says It Was ‘Taken Out Of Context’

Penny Toler

L.A. Sparks Fires General Manager Penny Toler For Using The N-Word After Team Loss, She Says It Was ‘Taken Out Of Context’

Penny Toler’s use of the N-word cost her her position as the General Manager for WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks.

The move came a day after a report was filed over her use of the controversial word. She allegedly said it while talking to the team after they lost a game to the Connecticut Sun 94-68. Toler said “racial epithets” during the speech in hopes to inspire them as the Sparks are down 2-0 against the Sun in the WNBA playoffs.

“By no means did I call my players the N-word. I’m not saying that I couldn’t have used it in a context. But it wasn’t directed at any of my players.

“It’s unfortunate I used that word. I shouldn’t. Nobody should. … But you know, like I said, I’m not here to defend word by word by word what I said. I know some of the words that I’m being accused of are embellished. Did I give a speech that I hoped would get our team going? Yes.

I think that this whole conversation has been taken out of context because when we lose, emotions are running high and, unfortunately, and obviously, some people feel some type of way.”

The Sparks also released a statement via Sparks governor Eric Holoman but omitted information about the report.

“On behalf of ownership and the entire Sparks organization, I’d like to thank Penny Toler for a successful and historic tenure with the organization. Penny is a foundational figure in the growth of the WNBA and helped lead our franchise to perennial playoff success and multiple titles. We wish her nothing but the best moving forward.”

Toler was with the team for more than 20 years. The Sparks took home three WNBA titles and went to the playoffs in every season but two during her tenure. She was dubbed the longest-tenured and winningest general manager in the history of the entire league. she actually played for the Sparks herself for three seasons and made the first basket in WNBA history.

Do you think Toler should have lost her job? Tell us in the comments.