WNBA Investigates Allegations of Racism During Sky-Fever Game
On Sunday, the WNBA announced it is launching an investigation into alleged racial slurs reportedly directed at Chicago Sky player Angel Reese during the season opener against the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis on Saturday. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the taunts may have been aimed at Reese amid a heated game.
The Fever decisively defeated the Sky, 93-58, but tensions flared during the third quarter. Following a hard foul by Fever player Caitlin Clark on Reeseāwho had just pushed a Fever player to secure a reboundāReese attempted to confront Clark, only to be thwarted as Clark turned and walked away.
The reaction to Caitlin Clarkās āflagrant foulā is even more hilarious when you realize Angel Reese shoved somebody in the back with 2 hands to get the rebound. pic.twitter.com/5lPCqjfg1f
ā Hater Report (@HaterReport_) May 18, 2025
The ESPN coverage notably begins its clip just after the moment Reese shoved a Fever player to gain control of the ball. Following this, Reese approached Clark, though Clark opted to ignore the confrontation.
Caitlin Clark received a flagrant foul on this play. Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese received offsetting technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/jzQYEW92TW
ā ESPN (@espn) May 17, 2025
Another angle suggests Clark made contact with Reese using her left arm:
This wasn’t a flop; Angel Reese had a point to react this way. I don’t believe Caitlin Clark acted maliciously, but it was indeed a flagrant foul, as she clearly pushed Angel. pic.twitter.com/hRLHvfX2DC
ā Rashan Reeves (@Babyblack1977) May 18, 2025
However, a significant challenge for the WNBA’s investigation is the apparent absence of evidence supporting claims of racial slurs. As of now, no video material has surfaced, nor have any players or coaches reported hearing such comments.
Fever star Caitlin Clark addressed reporters on Tuesday, stating she did not hear any racist remarks during the game.
Caitlin Clark says she didnāt hear the alleged racist comments directed at Angel Reese during Fever vs. Sky but supports the WNBAās investigation. pic.twitter.com/aJ4qS1KlhQ
ā The Associated Press (@AP) May 20, 2025
Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh echoed this sentiment, confirming that no players on his team were aware of any racist taunts during the game.
Tyler Marsh says the Sky were not aware of any hate speech during the game and only learned about the reports through social media. The WNBA investigation is based on these social media claims. pic.twitter.com/5fQz5dKjvZ
ā correlation (@nosyone4) May 20, 2025
Reese addressed the investigation in her remarks, though she refrained from confirming whether she heard any disparaging comments, responding instead to leading questions from reporters.
Angel Reese took 3 questions about the WNBA opening an investigation into reported hate speech directed at her during the Sky-Fever game Saturday. After that, a Sky media representative quickly responded ānext questionā when reporters asked follow-ups. #Sky pic.twitter.com/qsREFpJCXk
ā Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) May 20, 2025
In a video released on Sunday, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who was present at the game, stated he did not hear any racial taunts from the audience, which he described as a family-friendly crowd.
The @WNBA canāt get out of their own way. To issue a statement in response to trolls is a joke. It makes @IndianaFever fans look bad for no reason. Itās like they wonāt be happy until they kill the golden goose.
(If Iām wrong Iāll apologize and eat my words but Iām 100% right) https://t.co/wYrmk5d8Pe pic.twitter.com/LCib9r41l4
ā Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 18, 2025
Portnoy further clarified that he shouted āBall Donāt Lieā when Reese missed a technical free throw, denying any malicious intent towards her.
To clarify, I yelled āBall Donāt Lieā when Angel missed the tech. WNBA wants to cuff and stuff me for it. https://t.co/ooLr95bipB
ā Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 20, 2025
As the investigation continues, sports journalist Christine Brennan highlighted the apparent lack of evidence regarding these allegations. She reported on Tuesday, āNearly three days after allegations of racist comments in the Sky-Fever game, Iām being told the WNBA has no timeline for completion of its investigation and there will be no announcementāeither confirming or denying the occurrence of racist behaviorāuntil the review is complete.ā
Nearly three days after allegations of racist comments in the Sky-Fever game, Iām being told the WNBA has no timeline for completion of its investigation and there will be no announcement ā either if racist behavior occurred or if it did not occur ā until the review is completed.
ā Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) May 20, 2025
Interestingly, the WNBA is also responding to complaints regarding āmonkey soundsā that were reportedly heard during the broadcast, which some have suggested originated from a fan’s peculiar yodeling rather than anything racist.
Hey @WNBA, from your beloved ESPN, the sound you hear is from a sound machine that sounds like a dolphin & people booing. Please explain how this is racist? So fans are not allowed to boo now? At this point maybe just change your name to The WKumbaya league! pic.twitter.com/KnnFhb4Zg
ā Mama Lil āā ļøā PDX OR (@trimetfan) May 18, 2025
As the situation unfolds, Portnoy cautioned that the WNBA may be inadvertently tarnishing the reputation of Indiana Fever fans right at the start of the season.
