Las Vegas Aces Issue Statement Denying Circulating Arrest Reports Involving A’ja Wilson..
The Las Vegas Aces issued a firm statement on Thursday afternoon, categorically denying viral social media reports claiming star center A’ja Wilson had been arrested earlier in the day. The unfounded rumors, which spread rapidly across platforms like X and TikTok, alleged Wilson was detained in downtown Las Vegas on charges related to disorderly conduct following a minor traffic incident.
In a concise release posted on the team’s official website and social channels, Aces general manager Kerry Hammonds addressed the speculation head-on: “These reports are completely false and malicious. A’ja Wilson was not involved in any incident, let alone an arrest. We stand firmly behind her and condemn the spread of baseless information that seeks to tarnish her exemplary character. Our focus remains on the 2026 season preparations, where A’ja will continue to lead as our MVP and champion.”
Wilson, fresh off leading the Aces to their third WNBA title in four years just weeks ago, has been a pillar of the franchise since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2018. The 29-year-old South Carolina native earned her record fourth MVP award in 2025, averaging 28.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game en route to a dominant 4-0 Finals sweep over the Phoenix Mercury. Her on-court prowess has cemented her as the league’s undisputed GOAT contender, but off the court, she’s equally revered for her advocacy in women’s empowerment and social justice.
The hoax appears to stem from a doctored photo circulating online, showing a blurred figure in handcuffs superimposed with Wilson’s image. Cybersecurity experts quickly debunked it as AI-generated, tracing origins to anonymous troll accounts known for targeting high-profile athletes. Similar fabrications plagued the WNBA offseason, including false doping claims against Indiana’s Caitlin Clark.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon, speaking briefly to reporters post-practice, echoed the team’s support: “A’ja is family. These attacks won’t distract us. She’s unbreakable.” Wilson herself took to Instagram Stories, posting a laughing emoji alongside the team logo: “Rumors? What rumors? Champs don’t have time for that noise. ”
The incident underscores the growing challenges female athletes face in the digital age, where misinformation can escalate overnight. The WNBA Players Association issued a solidarity tweet, urging fans to verify sources before sharing. As investigations into the rumor’s perpetrators unfold, the Aces organization reaffirmed its commitment to protecting players’ mental health amid heightened scrutiny.
With free agency looming and Wilson eyeing a supermax extension, this dust-up serves as a stark reminder of the resilience required beyond the hardwood. Las Vegas fans, ever loyal, flooded comment sections with #ProtectAja, turning backlash into a rallying cry. As one supporter noted, “She’s not just our queen—she’s untouchable.”
