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The WNBA is investigating alleged racist comments from a fan or multiple fans directed toward Angel Reese during the Sky’s game against the Fever on Saturday, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Post.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said in a statement Sunday. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
It’s unclear when the alleged comments occurred during the Fever’s 93-58 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but tempers did flare between Reese and Caitlin Clark — rivals dating back to their time at LSU and Iowa, respectively — in the third quarter after Reese grabbed an offensive rebound and Clark proceeded to commit a hard foul to prevent a shot.
Reese tumbled to the court following the foul, but she quickly jumped back up and headed toward Clark.
Teammates stepped in to prevent the scuffle from escalating, while Clark, who received a flagrant foul, headed back toward the Fever bench.
Reese and Indiana’s Aliyah Boston received technical fouls.
Reese was also subjected to boos by fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse throughout the game.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association supported the league’s investigation and also condemned that type of conduct.
“Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the WNBPA said in a statement. “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.”
The Fever said in a statement that they’re “working closely with the WNBA” regarding the investigation and that they “stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
Sky CEO and president Adam Fox said in a statement, “We welcome the WNBA’s investigation of allegations of fan misconduct during our first game of the season. 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 for all WNBA players.”
Breanna Stewart, who threw out the first pitch Sunday at Yankee Stadium, said she was aware of the WNBA’s investigation, but doesn’t know all the details of the incident.
She said rivalries are meant to be a fun part of sport.
“There comes a line and as athletes and as fans, we have to make sure we continue to respect the space of one another so we can all be our best thing ever,” Stewart said.
Saturday wasn’t the first time that Fever fans allegedly directed racist comments toward an opposing player.
Last year, former Suns guard DiJonai Carrington said the Fever had the “nastiest fans” in the league. Her former teammate, Alyssa Thomas also blasted Fever fans over alleged racist comments and said she’s “never experienced” anything like that from another fan base during her career.
