The WNBA said it was investigating reports of racial slurs directed towards Angel Reese during the Chicago Sky’s loss to the Indiana Fever on Saturday.
“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, per the Associated Press. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
CNN Sports has contacted the WNBA for comment.
It’s unclear when the alleged incident happened in Saturday’s game but, the Fever released a statement Sunday saying they are “aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct” during the game.
“We are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation,” Mel Raines – CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Fever – said in the statement. “We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
With 4:38 remaining in the third quarter and the Fever up 56-42, Reese claimed an offensive rebound and was driving towards the basket when Indiana star Caitlin Clark made hard contact with her right arm, knocking the Sky forward to the ground and sending the ball rolling away.
Reese, clearly upset, got straight back to her feet and tried to confront the 2024 Rookie of the Year, who walked away with her back to Reese while Indiana’s Aliyah Boston stepped between the two. Clark’s foul was upgraded from a personal to a flagrant 1, while Reese and Boston each received technical fouls.