Latasha Byears played in the WNBA while being openly lesbian but is probably better known for controversy off the court than her career on it. She played for a number of professional teams including the Sacramento Monarchs, the Mystics, the Houston Comets, and Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, but it was her time with the Los Angeles Sparks that made the headlines.
During 2003, Byears and three men were investigated with regard to the alleged rape of an unnamed WNBA player. Byears was fired by the Sparks three days after the allegation came to light. She was never formally charged with any crime. The same year, Kobe Bryant was charged with rape and settled out of court, but was supported by the LA Lakers. The same people owned both the Lakers and the Sparks, so Byears perceived a double standard and sued for discrimination. The case lasted two years, with the Lakers settling with Byears in 2005.