The WNBA promises to look into offensive remarks made during the Sky-Fever opening

A spectator allegedly yelled racist remarks during Saturday’s heated season opening between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever in Indianapolis, and the WNBA is looking into the claims.

“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league stated in a statement released on Sunday. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”

“Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the Women’s National Basketball Players Association said in a statement on Sunday in response to the claims of “hateful comments.”

“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,” the WNBPA stated.

The Indianapolis Star and other media sites stated that Sky forward Angel Reese was the focus of the remarks, although the statements did not specify who the remarks were directed at.

Some social media users claimed that the incident was covered during the game’s ABC/ESPN broadcast. One video showed a male fan sitting courtside, making high-pitched noises while Reese made a free throw with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. The spectator was wearing a red replica Caitlin Clark jersey and matching shorts.

After Reese missed the free throw, the man got up and shouted at her.

When Clark dragged her arm across Reese’s right arm to block a possible layup, she was flagrantly foul. This put Reese at the line, and the sellout audience in Indiana was especially tense.

After landing hard on the ground, Reese sprang up fast and rushed at Clark, furious. Fever teammate Aliyah Boston intervened to slow Reese as Clark turned her back on him and left, and after a verbal altercation, both players were given technical fouls.

Reese and Clark had previously engaged in intense on-court competition. Their rivalry began during their college years, when Clark was a standout player for Iowa and Reese played for NCAA champion LSU. In a heated 2023 championship game, LSU defeated the Hawkeyes 102-85.

The WNBA announced its “No Space for Hate” campaign on Thursday, the day before the start of the current season. Among other things, the policy seeks to shield the WNBA community from abuse and hate speech.

In her statement, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert used the following words:”We want passion and fandom to fill our venues and social media platforms, not animosity and hatred.
This entails putting our principles into practice by enhancing physical and digital security, increasing access to mental health services, and coordinating our message throughout the league. It is our duty to preserve the unique qualities of this sport and make sure that we continue to motivate the upcoming generation of women’s basketball enthusiasts.”