WNBA investigating fans’ racial comments toward Angel Reese at Sky-Fever game

The WNBA is investigating racial comments directed at Chicago Sky star Angel Reese by fans during the season opener against the Indiana Fever Saturday in Indianapolis.
WNBA published a statement Sunday:
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
Reese and Caitlin Clark met for the seventh time in their now nationally recognized rivalry on Saturday. The Sky fell to the Fever, 93-58.
The game reached a boiling point in the 3rd quarter when Clark fouled Reese while going up for a layup. Reese quickly got up from the hard foul and a heated exchange took place between the teams after the whistle.
Upon review, Clark was assessed a flagrant 1 foul while Reese and Fever forward Aliyah Boston received technical fouls for their respective roles in the scuffle after the whistle.
Fan boos toward Reese were dialed up in her ensuing trip to the free throw line and the remainder of the game after the incident.
After the game, Reese and Clark both looked to dampen any headlines coming out of the incident.
“Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on,” Reese stated.
“Let’s not make it something that it’s not,” Clark said in her postgame press conference.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association stated on Sunday:
“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.”
Under the WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” policy (a new “multi-dimensional” policy intended to create a respectful environment and combat hate across all aspects of the WNBA), the league intends to take swift action.
In accordance with the league, the Fever released their own statement on Sunday afternoon as well.
“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 Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports and Entertainment.
Clark and Reese will meet another four times this season in what will likely be sold-out matchups.

