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Following an internal investigation, the WNBA announced that it found no evidence to support claims of racist speech or slurs directed at Angel Reese or her Chicago Sky teammates during their matchup against the Indiana Fever.
The probe was initiated after social media users alleged that fans at the game, which occurred on May 17 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, hurled racially charged language at Sky players, prompting widespread concern.
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In a statement released by the league on Tuesday (May 27), the WNBA said, “Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it.”
Reese, who addressed the media on May 20, did not confirm any personal experience of racist behavior during the matchup, but firmly stated, “There was no place in the game” for the type of conduct that was alleged.
The Indiana Fever also responded to the league’s findings with a statement supporting the investigation’s integrity. “We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated,” the team said.
“At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans where hate speech has absolutely no place.”
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“Indiana is home to the world’s greatest fans,” the statement concluded, “and we look forward to an exciting season of Fever basketball.
The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has been shrouded by racial undertones dating back to their days as college basketball stars, with Reese leading the LSU Tigers to a win over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game.
Some fans and pundits have bristled at Clark being hailed as a “hero” while Reese has been cast in a “villainous” light by her detractors, who have critiqued her competitive nature and brash personality.
Yet, both stars have flourished as professionals, with Reese setting rebounding records as a rookie, while Clark has become one of the most versatile players in the entirety of the league.
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See Angel Reese’s reaction to the WNBA’s investigation below.
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