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WNBA investigates fan misconduct following Clark, Reese clash
After a tense showdown between the Fever and Sky, the WNBA probes fan behavior.
Chicago Sky All-Star Angel Reese says “there’s no place in this league” for racism and discrimination after allegations of hateful comments directed her way during the Sky’s season opener against the Indiana Fever led to a league-wide investigation.
“It’s tough … and obviously in the moment it’s hard to hear,” Reese told reporters on Tuesday when asked how the situation affected her play on Saturday. But Reese credited her “support system” with aiding her: “I’ve gone through so many different things in the past couple of years of my life, but I think … being part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something that I couldn’t imagine not being part of.”
Following Chicago’s 93-58 loss to Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, the WNBA launched an investigation into fan conduct, saying, “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination … We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.” Both the Sky and Fever organizations welcomed the investigation and pledged to cooperate.
The WNBA didn’t specify the allegations, but a person with knowledge of the situation told IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the league is looking into racist comments directed at Reese by fan(s) in the crowd.
The league has not issued a timeline for the investigation and will not make an announcement about findings until it is complete.
Sky head coach Tyler Marsh told reporters during media availability Tuesday that the team “is in compliance with the league, and obviously there’s no room in our league for hate.” When asked when he became aware alleged hate speech occurred, Marsh said, “I think when everyone else did. I think that it’s something we heard about and so, again, we’re just forthcoming with anything that the league is able to get investigation-wise.”
WNBA INVESTIGATES alleged hateful comments made toward Angel Reese during Fever vs. Sky
ANGEL REESE calls out lack of action against racism WNBA players have faced
Angel Reese says WNBA ‘has done great job supporting me’
Reese applauded the league and the Sky for taking quick action, pointing to the WNBA’s recently-launched “No Space for Hate” initiative that aims to combat hate and promote respect across the league after racism, discriminatory comments and bullying reached a boiling point in the league during the 2024 season.
“I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me. I’ve had communication from everyone, from so many people across this league,” Reese said. “Going through this process, obviously if it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. I think they’ve done a great job supporting us in this.”
Reese added: “The (WNBA) understands that this is the priority … I believe every player in this league deserves to be treated with respect and want to come to work and just have fun, and have a great environment to work at.”
The “No Space for Hate” initiative features a task force of league and team representatives that focuses on “enhanced technological features to detect hateful comments online; increased emphasis on team, arena, and league security measures; reinforcing mental health resources; and alignment of core against hate,” the WNBA announced last week.
Angel Reese says she has continually faced racism
Reese and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark have frequently been pitted against each other dating back to their collegiate days at LSU and Iowa, respectively. The popularity surrounding Reese and Clark has translated to increased viewership and support for the league, but it hasn’t always been support in good faith.
In September, Reese was vocal about lack of action by the league and media against racism against players, including her.
“The media has benefited from my pain & me being villainized to create a narrative,” she wrote on X at the time. “They allowed this. This was beneficial to them… Y’all a little late to the party and could have tried to put out this fire way before it started.”
“I sometimes share my experiences of things that have happened to me but I’ve also allowed this to happen to me for way too long and now other players in this league are dealing with & experiencing the same things,” Reese wrote at the time. “This isn’t OK at all. Anything beyond criticism about playing the game we love is wrong. I’m sorry to all the players that have/continue to experience the same things I have.”
Contributing: Christine Brennan
