WNBA Investigates Hate Incidents Against Angel Reese
The WNBA announced on Sunday that it is investigating allegations of “hateful fan comments” directed at Angel Reese during Saturday’s game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis.
The incident occurred after a play between Caitlin Clark and Reese.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hatred, and discrimination in all its forms; they have no place in our league or in society,” the league stated in a statement. “We are aware of the accusations and are investigating the matter.”
In the third quarter of the game, which ended with a 93-58 victory for Indiana over Chicago, Clark hit the ball after Reese grabbed an offensive rebound and had a clear path to the basket. Reese fell to the court, got up, and tried to confront Clark. Fever forward Aliyah Boston stepped between them. Clark’s foul was ruled a flagrant 1, and Reese and Boston were assessed technical fouls.
Reese was booed by fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse throughout the game, but the volume increased during her subsequent free throws.
Reese declined to comment on Sunday through a representative.
The players’ association encouraged the league to investigate.
“The WNBPA is aware of the reports regarding hateful comments at yesterday’s game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA’s ongoing investigation into this matter,” the Women’s National Basketball Players Association said in a statement. “Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport. Under the WNBA’s ‘No Room for Hate’ policy, we are confident that the league will thoroughly investigate and take swift and appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
The WNBA announced on Thursday plans for its “No Space for Hate” platform, presenting it as “a multidimensional platform designed to combat hate and promote respect in all WNBA spaces, from online discourse to arena behavior.”
“We believe that basketball can be a unifying force, a place where people from all walks of life come together not just to watch a game, but to connect,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement last week. “We want our arenas and our social platforms to be filled with energy and fandom, not hate and vitriol.”
The Fever stated that they are cooperating with the league’s investigation.
“We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate behavior by fans during yesterday’s game and are working closely with the WNBA to complete its investigation,” Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines said in a statement. “We remain firmly committed to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
After the match, both Reese and Clark downplayed the incident.
“Basketball game,” Reese said. “The referees got it right. Let’s move on.”
“Let’s not make it into something it’s not,” Clark said. “It was just a good play in basketball. I’m not sure what the referee saw to call it, and that’s up to their discretion. It’s an intentional foul to put them on the free-throw line. I’ve seen a lot of basketball in my life, that’s exactly what it was. I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am.”
