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The WNBA is investigating alleged racist comments directed at Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during her team's season-opener road loss to the Indiana Fever on Saturday (May 17).
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter," the league said in a statement obtained by the Indianapolis Star on Sunday (May 18).
A report was filed to the WNBA in relation to allegations of racist comments directed to Reese by Fever fan(s) in attendance during Saturday's game, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Indianapolis Star. The report isn't related to the flagrant 1 foul committed by Fever star Caitlin Clark on Reese, which led to a scuffle between the two teams.
“We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct during yesterday’s game and we are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation," said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Indiana Fever and NBA's Indiana Pacers. "We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
Clark attempted a take foul on Reese, wrapping her arms around her front and back on a layup attempt, during the third quarter, which resulted in Reese falling to the ground before getting up and immediately confronting Clark before Fever forward Aliyah Boston separated them. The play was later upgraded to a flagrant 1, with Boston and Reese both getting offsetting technical fouls.
Reese, who has long been perceived as Clark's rival dating back to their college careers, was booed heavily by the Indiana fans during the game, which peaked as she attempted to take free throws for the flagrant foul, missing the first and making the second attempt.
"We welcome the WNBA's investigation of allegations of fan misconduct in our first game of the season," said Chicago Sky President and CEO Adam Fox in a statement obtained by the Indianapolis Star. "We will do everything in our power to protect Chicago Sky players, and we encourage the league to continue taking meaningful steps to create a safe environment all WNBA players."
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