CNN
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The WNBA said it is investigating reports of racial slander directed at Angel Reese during Chicago Sky’s defeat to Indiana Fever on Saturday.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hatred and discrimination in all forms. They have no place in our league or society,” the alliance said in a statement. “We are aware of the allegations and are investigating the issue.”
CNN Sports has contacted the WNBA for comment.
It is unclear when the alleged incident occurred in Saturday’s game, but Fever issued a statement on Sunday during the game saying it was “aware of allegations of inappropriate fan conduct.”
“We are working closely with the WNBA to complete the investigation,” said Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which owns Fever, in a statement. “We are persistent in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
With 4:38 left in the third quarter and the heat rose to 56-42, Reese claimed an offensive rebound, driving towards the basket as Indiana star Kate Rinklark made violent contact with his right arm and knocked the sky towards the ground and rolled the ball down.
Clearly upset, Reese went straight back to her feet and tried to confront her 2024 Rookie of the Year. Clark’s foul was upgraded from an individual to Fragrant 1, with Reese and Boston respectively receiving technical fouls.
Both players have since dismissed the incident, and it is unclear whether suspicious racial slander is linked to the conflict.
“The franchise welcomes the WNBA investigation into allegations of fan fraud during the game,” said Adam Fox, president and CEO of Chicago Sky.
“We are encouraging the league to do everything in the protection of Sky Players in Chicago and take meaningful steps to create a safe environment for all WNBA players,” Fox continued in a statement.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) supports the WNBA investigation, saying it is “aware of reports of disgusting comments.”
“This kind of behavior is not acceptable in our sport,” the athletes union said in a statement. “Under the WNBA’s “hatred-free space” policy, we trust that the league will thoroughly investigate and take appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. ”
Sky and Heat plays four more times in the regular season.
Clark finished with a triple double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in the season opener, with Lease having 12 points and 17 rebounds.
The pair met four times in their WNBA debut season last year, and Fever won three contests. Clark was named Rookie of the Year with everyone except one of the 67 votes, with the other votes going to Lease.
Both players have turned down rivalry, but after a fierce collision at the college level, basketball stars are closely linked, especially in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Championship Game.
Ahead of the new season, the WNBA has announced the aforementioned “No Space for Hate” campaign aimed at targeting hate and promoting respect in women’s basketball, both online and in the stadium.
“We believe that basketball can be a unified force, a place where all life people gather to not only see the game, but to connect. “We want arenas and a social platform filled with energy and fandom.
The league said the new venture will implement technology to recognize the hate language used online, increase the security of the arena, provide more mental health resources for the team, and provide “core alignment against hatred.”