WNBA Issues Statement on 'Alleged Hateful Fan Comments' at Fever vs Sky Game
During the third quarter of the Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever game in Indianapolis, Caitlin Clark received a flagrant foul for, "wind up, impact, and follow through for the extension of the left hand to [Angel] Reese's back, which is deemed not a legitimate basketball play, and therefore deemed unnecessary contact," according to the game's crew chief.
This flagrant foul was always going to evoke strong emotions, given how popular both Clark and Reese are and considering their long-standing rivalry with each other. And when Reese went up to shoot her two free throws for the flagrant, the entire Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena erupted in a chorus of boos. Reese missed her first free throw, then made the second.
One day later, the WNBA issued a statement about Saturday's game, which reporters are conveying has to do with allegations of things said to Reese during the contest.
Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile shared a WNBA statement that wrote, "The following is a statement from the WNBA regarding yesterday's game in Indianapolis:
"'The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or society. We are aware of the allegations are are looking in to the matter.'"
A statement from the WNBA on yesterday’s Sky vs Fever game in Indianapolis: pic.twitter.com/5ldZDHAeFr
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 18, 2025
Costabile followed this up with a post that wrote, "Sources with knowledge of the situation say this statement is in response to allegations of racial comments directed at Angel Reese by fan(s) in the crowd.
"It is not in response to the take foul that was upgraded to a flagrant 1."
Sources with knowledge of the situation say this statement is in response to allegations of racial comments directed at Angel Reese by fan(s) in the crowd.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) May 18, 2025
It is not in response to the take foul that was upgraded to a flagrant 1. https://t.co/Zft4hfVUAC
It would seem that there's more still to come from this developing story.
Recommended Reading:
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Grant Young covers women’s basketball for Women’s Fastbreak and Indiana Fever On SI. His coverage centers on league trends and the growth of women’s basketball, both on and off the court. He also creates digital content focused on the sport’s biggest moments and personalities.
Follow GrvntYoung