The WNBA introduced on Sunday that the league is investigating whether or not “hateful fan feedback” have been made in opposition to Angel Reese throughout Saturday evening’s recreation between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever.
Reese and Caitlin Clark have been concerned in one other scuffle halfway by means of the third quarter of the Fever’s 93-58 win over the Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark dedicated a tough foul on Reese by slapping her longtime rival on the arm.
Reese took exception to the play and stood as much as confront Clark, however the two have been shortly separated. Officers reviewed Clark’s foul and upgraded it to a Flagrant 1.
The WNBA was later made conscious {that a} fan or followers might have directed inappropriate feedback towards Reese after the skirmish.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all kinds — they haven’t any place in our league or in society,” the league stated in a press release, via ESPN’s Katie Barnes. “We’re conscious of the allegations and are wanting into the matter.”
Reese was booed loudly all through the sport, which was anticipated. She and Clark have a rivalry that dates again to when the 2 performed in opposition to each other in school.
Whereas no particulars concerning the alleged feedback have been revealed, the Fever additionally issued a press release addressing the scenario.
“We’re conscious of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct throughout yesterday’s recreation and we’re working carefully with the WNBA to finish their investigation,” Pacers Sports activities & Leisure CEO Mel Raines stated in a press release. “We stand agency in our dedication to offering a secure surroundings for all WNBA gamers.”
Each Reese and Clark downplayed their latest scuffle after the sport, with Clark saying there was “nothing malicious about it.” Reese referred to as the foul a “basketball play.”
Clark scored a game-high 20 factors and made 4-of-8 three-pointers within the Fever’s win. Reese had a team-high 12 factors and 17 rebounds for Chicago.
