Unfortunately, the scourge of racism at NBA/WNBA games remains an issue. About a week ago, a Minnesota Timberwolves fan directed a racial slur at Draymond Green before being ejected. Now, another unfortunate incident has occurred.
One or more fans allegedly targeted Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky during their game against Caitlin Clarke and the Indiana Fever on Saturday.
WNBA Condemns Racism, Launches Investigation After Alleged Incident Toward Angel Reese
This isn’t the first time this has occurred, with similar incidents from Fever fans towards opponents last season. This prompted a strong statement from Fever head coach Stephanie White. It’s concerning that this is becoming a recurrence.
During Indiana’s utterly dominant 93-58 win over the Sky, there was an alleged fan incident involving racial abuse directed towards Reese. The WNBA came out with a firm statement on the alleged incident.
“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.
Furthermore, the players’ association also backed the statement.
“Under the WNBA’s ‘no space for hate policy,’ we trust the league to thoroughly investigate, and take swift, appropriate action.”
It’s unfortunate when these horrible incidents occur because the focus should be on the WNBA’s exciting rise in popularity. Even more, it’s a popularity rise stemming from great players and personalities throughout the league, particularly Clark’s incredible stardom, rather than cheap tactics.
When Did It Take Place?
More information on the incident will be available in the coming days. However, some have speculated that it took place when Clark was assessed a flagrant foul for deliberately fouling Reese under the basket in the third quarter, which sent her to the floor. Reese reacted furiously to the foul, while Clark walked away to de-escalate the incident.
Caitlin Clark received a flagrant foul on this play.
Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese received offsetting technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/jzQYEW92TW
— ESPN (@espn)
When Clark was asked afterwards about the foul, she reiterated there was no malicious intent, and it was simply a common take foul to avoid giving up a wide-open bucket. In retrospect, a flagrant seemed harsh, but this heated rivalry may have added extra spice to the incident, perhaps prompting some fans to cross the line.
However, it’s also possible that it was entirely unrelated to that foul. The league’s findings will be interesting once their investigation is complete.
After the news broke, one poster on X stood against the racism against Reese: “The racism (Angel) Reese deals with is unacceptable and has no place in this world.”
It’s concerning that these incidents are happening; they need to be stamped out. We await news on the outcome of the WNBA’s investigation.
