The WNBA did not find any substantial evidence of racist fan behavior toward Sky star Angel Reese after an investigation in the wake of a dustup with the Fever’s Caitlin Clark.
After Clark was called for a flagrant foul against Reese — leading to a tense moment between the Fever and Sky — on May 17, allegations that fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana were being racist toward Reese followed.
The WNBA released its findings on Tuesday after looking into the situation.
“Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it,” the league said in its statement. “The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.”
Mel Raines, the COO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, thanked the league and reiterated that any “hate speech” is not welcome at the Indianapolis venue.
“We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated,” Raines said in a statement. “At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans where hate speech has absolutely no place.
The Sky, who supported the investigation and said they would do anything they could to protect their players, have not yet made a statement about the findings.
The incident that led to the investigation happened in the third quarter of the teams’ Opening Day matchup when Reese, after grabbing an offensive board, was fouled by Clark and fell to the floor.
After getting back up, Reese stormed toward Clark before both teams stepped in as tensions rose.
Clark was given a flagrant foul while Reese and Fever star Aliyah Boston each got technicals.
After the game, Clark said she meant nothing “malicious” behind the foul.
“Let’s not make it something that it’s not,” Clark said. “It was just a good play on the basketball. I’m not sure what the ref saw to upgrade it, and that’s up to their discretion. It’s a take foul to put them at the free-throw line. I’ve watched a lot of basketball in my life, that’s exactly what it was. I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am.”
Reese, in a short response after the game, said it was a “basketball play.”
Clark, who is now set to miss at least two weeks with a quadriceps strain, later said she supported the league’s investigation and called for “proper action” if the allegations were found to be true.
