Racial comments by fans targeting certain players has become an all-too-common occurrence at sporting events — particularly at the high school level. This weekend, the problem reared its ugly head in the professional ranks.
The WNBA said Sunday it is investigating allegations of "hateful fan comments" directed at Angel Reese during Saturday's game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever in Indianapolis following an incident involving Caitlin Clark and Reese.
Racial comments by fans targeting certain players has become an all-too-common occurrence at sporting events — particularly at the high school level. This weekend, the problem reared its ugly head in the professional ranks.
The WNBA said Sunday it is investigating allegations of "hateful fan comments" directed at Angel Reese during Saturday's game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever in Indianapolis following an incident involving Caitlin Clark and Reese.
As reported by Katie Barnes of ESPN, Clark slapped at the ball after Reese grabbed an offensive rebound and had a clear path to the basket during the third quarter of Indiana's 93-58 win over Chicago. Reese fell to the court, got back up and tried to confront Clark, but Fever forward Aliyah Boston got between them. Clark's foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1, and Reese and Boston were assessed technical fouls.
"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. "We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter."
Reese was booed by fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse throughout the game, but the volume increased during her ensuing foul shots, ESPN's Barnes reported.
"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," Sky CEO and president Adam Fox said in a statement.
"The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments at yesterday's game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA's current investigation into this matter," the Women's National Basketball Players Association said in a statement. "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."
The Fever released a statement, as well, according to Sports Illustrated. "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. We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players," said Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines.
Reese and Clark independently characterized the game action that seemed to cause the controversy as much ado about nothing.
"Basketball play," Reese said. "Refs got it right. Move on."
"Let's not make it something that it's not," Clark said. "It was just a good play on the basketball. I'm not sure what the ref saw to upgrade it, and that's up to their discretion. It's a take foul to put them at the free throw line. I've watched a lot of basketball in my life; that's exactly what it was. I wasn't trying to do anything malicious. That's not the type of player I am."
The WNBA announced plans for its "No Space for Hate" platform on Thursday, ESPN's Barnes reported, billing the platform as a "a multi-dimensional platform designed to combat hate and promote respect across all WNBA spaces — from online discourse to in-arena behavior."
"We believe that basketball can be a unifying force — a place where people from all walks of life come together not just to watch a game, but to connect," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement last week. "We want our arenas, and our social platforms filled with energy and fandom — not hate and vitriol."
