The WNBA introduced on Sunday that the league is investigating whether or not “hateful fan feedback” had been made towards Angel Reese throughout Saturday evening’s sport between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever.
Reese and Caitlin Clark had been concerned in one other scuffle halfway via 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 had 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 could have directed inappropriate feedback towards Reese after the skirmish.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all varieties — 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 towards each other in faculty.
Whereas no particulars in regards to 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 sport and we’re working intently 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 setting 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.
