The Atlanta Dream found themselves in a bit of controversy after their social media team made a questionable post following the team’s victory over the Chicago Sky. On September 17, 2023, after a hard-fought 83-80 win, the Dream’s social media posted a celebratory message using a photo of former player Chennedy Carter. The caption read, “Chicago Cry,” a clear play on the team name, Chicago Sky. The post immediately sparked backlash, as Carter is no longer with the team, and the comment was seen as trolling and unsportsmanlike.
Carter, who played for the Dream from 2020 to 2021, left the team under tense circumstances, so the use of her image was puzzling to many fans. The post quickly gained attention, with both supporters and critics voicing their opinions. While some saw it as harmless fun, others found it distasteful, calling out the Dream for unprofessionalism and poor sportsmanship.
The backlash was swift enough that the Dream’s social media team decided to delete the post shortly after it was made.However, screenshots of the post had already circulated, leading to ongoing discussions about the appropriateness of social media content in professional sports. Many fans expressed disappointment, noting that it detracted from what should have been a celebration of a significant victory.
This incident highlights the fine line that sports teams walk on social media. While banter and rivalry are common, teams must be mindful of the potential for such posts to be misinterpreted or come off as disrespectful. The Dream’s decision to delete the post suggests they realized it crossed that line, but the lasting impact of the misstep has left some fans with a sour taste.
