Sports

WNBA Issues Statement On Potential Racism Directed At Angel Reese During Explosive Meeting With Caitlin Clark

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Angel Reese reacts to being fouled by Caitlin Clark.

© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The WNBA is investigating potentially racist comments directed at Angel Reese during a season-opening matchup vs. the Indiana Fever. The remarks are believed to have come from one or more members of the home crowd, though what was said and by whom is still unknown.

The league released a statement on the situation Sunday, a day after the Fever’s 93-58 win.

“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms,” the statement read. “They have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”

One or more fans are accused of spewing hatred towards Reese during the game. The Fever are working alongside the league to get to the bottom of the situation.

The WNBA Players’ Association also released a comment on the accusations, saying that such behavior is “unacceptable in our sport.”

“Under the WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ policy, we trust the league to thoroughly investigate and take swift, appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all WNBA players.”

-WNBA Players’ Association

Angel Reese was booed mercilessly by Caitlin Clark’s supporters.

Again, the exact timing of the alleged commentary is unknown. At one point in the action, Clark received a flagrant foul for hacking Reese and preventing an easy layup.

Reese immediately jumped up in retaliation, confronting Clark on the court. She’d go onto miss one of two ensuing free throws, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Angel Reese received a technical foul for her response to the foul, as did Indiana’s Aliyah Boston.

The fan reaction in the above video does not include any negative remarks, only the reaction to an opposing player’s missed shot. The WNBA is looking to see if there were specific instances throughout the game that would be deemed hateful following the allegations.

It’s not the first time Fever fans have been accused of this type of behavior. Last season, Alyssa Thomas claimed to have been targeted during a WNBA Playoff series.

“It’s unacceptable, honestly, and there’s no place for it,” she said. “We’ve been professional throughout the whole entire thing, but I’ve never been called the things that I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for it.”

It will be interesting to see if the investigation uncovers anything of note.