Caitlin Clark has weighed in on the WNBA’s investigation into alleged hateful comments directed at Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky during their season opener against the Indiana Fever.
While the league did not specify who the remarks targeted, reports indicate that Reese was subjected to racial comments from certain sections of the Fever’s home crowd.
Clark’s comments came after the Fever released a statement saying they were “aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct.” The team added that they strongly condemned the alleged remarks and would fully cooperate with the league.
‘Sure They’ll Do the Right Thing’ — Caitlin Clark on the WNBA’s Investigation
Speaking to reporters Monday, May 19, Clark said she didn’t hear the comments during the Sky-Fever matchup, which took place in a packed, high-energy arena.
“I didn’t hear anything,” Clark said. “I think that’s why they’re doing the investigation. That’s why they’re looking into it. It doesn’t mean nothing happened. So, you just trust the league’s investigation, and I’m sure they’ll do the right thing.”
The WNBA opened its investigation Sunday after the incident during Indiana’s win. The game drew national attention not only for the alleged fan behavior but also for an on-court confrontation between Clark and Reese. Clark was assessed a flagrant foul after a hard challenge on Reese, who immediately approached her. Reese and Fever forward Aliyah Boston were given technical fouls in the aftermath.
The following has been released by the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/LgSImP1x3Y
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms)
After the game, Clark defended her foul, saying it was “a good take foul” with no malicious intent. She also cautioned against blowing the situation out of proportion.
“Let’s not make it anything that it’s not,” she told reporters, per Yahoo! Sports.
The WNBPA also backed the league’s investigation, calling the reported behavior “unacceptable.” In a statement, the union 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.”
Meanwhile, the rivalry between Clark and Reese continues to grab headlines. Their matchup helped the Sky-Fever opener become the most-viewed regular-season WNBA game ever on ESPN networks, and reportedly the most-watched WNBA game in the past 25 years.
As the WNBA season heats up, all eyes remain on the Clark-Reese rivalry and how the league handles off-court issues like fan conduct. With record-breaking viewership and growing media attention, the spotlight is brighter than ever, making it crucial for the league to uphold its values and protect its players.