The WNBA is investigating alleged racial comments from a fan or multiple fans directed toward Angel Reese during the Sky’s game against the Fever on Saturday, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Post.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said in a statement Sunday. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
It’s unclear when the comments occurred during the Fever’s 93-58 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but tempers did flare between Reese and Caitlin Clark — rivals dating back to their time at LSU and Iowa, respectively — in the third quarter after Resse grabbed an offensive rebound and Clark proceeded to commit a hard foul to prevent a shot.
Reese tumbled to the court following the foul, but she quickly jumped back up and headed toward Clark.
Teammates stepped in to prevent the scuffle from escalating, while Clark, who received a flagrant foul, headed back toward the Fever bench.
Reese and Indiana’s Aliyah Boston received technical fouls.
In a statement, the WNBA Players Association supported the league’s investigation and also condemned that type of conduct.
“Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the WNBPA said in a statement. “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.”
Saturday wasn’t the first time that Fever fans allegedly directed racial comments toward an opposing player, either.
Last year, following a two-game sweep of Indiana in the playoffs, former Sun star Alyssa Thomas blasted Fever fans over alleged racial comments and said she’s “never experienced” anything like that from another fan base during her career.
“It’s unacceptable, honestly, and there’s no place for it,” Thomas, now with the Mercury, told reporters. “We’ve been professional throughout the whole entire thing, but I’ve never been called the things that I’ve been called on social media, and there’s no place for it. Basketball is headed in a great direction, but we don’t want fans that are going to degrade us and call us racial things. … It’s uncalled for and something needs to be done, whether it’s them checking their fans or the league, there’s no time for it anymore.”
