WNBA launches probe into hate directed at Angel Reese following the Caitlin Clark incident

In the wake of a heated on-court moment between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark during Saturday’s matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, the WNBA has initiated an official investigation into reports of hateful fan conduct targeting Reese. The league’s swift response comes amid a growing outcry over the rising intensity of fan behavior and the broader implications of disrespect within professional women’s sports.

Tensions flare in Indiana

The incident unfolded during the third quarter of Indiana’s dominant 93-58 victory. After Angel Reese grabbed an offensive rebound and appeared to have a clear path to the basket, Clark made a hard swipe at the ball. The impact caused Reese to fall to the court.

As she got up to confront Caitlin Clark, Fever forward Aliyah Boston intervened, diffusing the tension. The referees later upgraded Clark’s foul to a flagrant 1, while both Reese and Boston were assessed technical fouls.

Despite the quick resolution on court, the atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse grew increasingly hostile. Angel Reese, who was already being booed by fans throughout the game, faced heightened jeering as she stepped to the free-throw line following the foul sequence.

Reese has chosen not to speak on the matter at this time, declining to comment through a representative on Sunday.

League and union respond to allegations

The WNBA released a strong statement emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and condemning hateful behavior in all forms.

“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league stated. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”

In solidarity, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) also backed the league’s move, citing its “No Space for Hate” initiative, which had just been announced days earlier.

“Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the WNBPA said. “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.”

Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox echoed the need for accountability, adding,

“We welcome the WNBA’s investigation… We will do everything in our power to protect Chicago Sky players.”

Fever and Arena officials cooperate

The Indiana Fever and Pacers Sports & Entertainment also issued statements confirming their cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

“We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players,” said CEO Mel Raines.

Players seek to move forward

While tensions momentarily spiked during the game, both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark attempted to cool public reaction after the final buzzer.

“Basketball play,” Reese remarked. “Refs got it right. Move on.”

“Let’s not make it something that it’s not,” Caitlin Clark added. “I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am.”

As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and intensity, this incident underscores the need for mutual respect—both on and off the court. With the “No Space for Hate” initiative, the league has made clear that there is zero tolerance for vitriol and bigotry in any form.

Angel Reese responds to WNBA investigation of alleged fan abuse

Angel Reese during Saturday’s game against the Indiana Fever.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

CNN — 

Angel Reese on Tuesday praised the WNBA for taking up an investigation into alleged abuse aimed at the Chicago Sky player and the way the league and her team have had her back.

The WNBA said it was investigating reports of abuse directed towards the second-year forward during Chicago’s loss to the Indiana Fever on Saturday.

“Obviously there’s no place in this league for that,” Reese said during media availability on Tuesday. “I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me.”

Reese said she has received support from many people across the league following the incident and during the process of the investigation.

“Obviously it’s tough, but I think I have a great support system. I’m loved by so many people and ,obviously, in the moment it is hard to hear, but my support system is great,” the 23-year-old added.

“I’ve gone through so many different things in the past couple of years in my life, but I think just having the support and this love, and being a part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is something I just couldn’t imagine not being a part of.”

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh gave credit to Reese with how she’s dealt with the process.

“She’s handled it great. I mean, for her, it’s about basketball, so I think that’s where her mind is at and for us we want to be as locked in as possible to our game plan and what we want to do moving forward into Thursday,” Marsh said.

“I mean, Angel’s a winner. Angel’s a competitor, and she wants to be there for her teammates and we’re certainly there for her as well.”

Reese said she has had a ‘great support system’ during the process of the investigation.
Grace Smith/IndyStar/Imagn Images/Reuters

Marsh added that all those at the franchise will be behind the star second-year player.

“I think that we always want to be there to support each other no matter what we’re going through in our personal lives or professional lives. It’s the kind of environment that we want to create here. It’s who we want to be as individuals and who we want to be as teammates.”

The WNBA said after the alleged incident that it “strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms,” while the Fever said they are helping the league with the investigation.

Indiana’s star guard Caitlin Clark issued a similar message after a Fever practice on Monday.

“There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, told reporters after practice on Monday.

“Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience,” Clark added. “I appreciate the league doing that (the investigation). I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that since day one. The investigation we’ll leave up to them to find anything and take the proper action if so.”

The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky will play each other three more times during the regular season.