The WNBA is investigating the racial comments directed towards Angel Reese by fans who put on the ground the loss of Chicago sky against Caitlin Clark and fever in Indiana on Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke with Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the League had not publicly identified the issue of teasing or who made the accusations.
“WNBA strongly condemns racism, hatred and discrimination in every way: they do not take place in our league or in society,” said the league in a statement. “We are aware of the accusations and we are investigating the matter.”
Clark spoke for the first time publicly about the accusations on Monday after practice, saying that it was too strong within Gainbridge Fieldhouse for her to listen to racial comments from fans aimed at Reese and that supports the WNBA investigation.
“It’s very noisy here, and I thought I had heard something, I think that’s why they are doing the investigation,” Clark said. “That is why they are investigating it. That does not mean that nothing happens, so I will trust the investigation of the league, and I am sure they will do the right thing.”
Reese, which is black, and Clark, which is white, with the seventh time in its continuous and very cut rivalry. Clark was appointed rookie of the year last season and Reese finished second in the vote.
The WNBA players union issued a statement shortly after the league comment on the matter.
“The WNBPA is aware of the hate comments reports in yesterday’s game in Indianapolis and supports the current WNBA research on this matter. Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport,” the statement said. “Under the” No Space For Hate “policy of the WNBA, we trust the League to investigate and take the rapid and appropriate measures to guarantee a safe and cozy environment for all.”
The president and CEO of Sky, Adam Fox, later said Sunday in a statement that the organization welcomes the investigation of the League.
“We will do everything within our reach to protect Chicago Sky players, and we encourage the continuous bar league to create a safe environment for all WNBA players,” he said.
Heaven and fever will play four times the duration of the regular season.
Why the lack of Caitlin Clark about Angel Reese highlights the confusion between the officiating rivalries
“We are aware of the accusations of the inappropriate game of fans’ behavior and we are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation,” said fever in a statement. “We remain firm in our commitment to provide a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
Reese had 12 points and 17 rebounds in defeat 93-58 before the fever. The sky striker and Clark had an incident on the court with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. He started with Reese grabbing an offensive rebound and Clark slapping the re -re -arm arm strong enough to release the ball and hit Reese to the ground.
When Reese got up, he tried to confront Clark before the center of Indiana Aliyah Boston intervened between the players. Clark’s third personal lack was updated to a flagrant 1, while Boston and Reese caused technical faults after a review of the referees.
[Related: Caitlin Clark says flagrant foul for shoving Angel Reese was not ‘malicious’]
Both players minimized the play after the game.
The League launched “No Space For Hate” this season, a multidimensional platform designed to combat hatred and promote respect in all WNBA spaces, both online and in Arenas.
The League focuses on four areas: improved technological characteristics for Dectect Hateful Comments Online; Greater emphasis on the security measures of the equipment, the sand and the league; Reinforce mental health resources; and alignment against hate.
This will be the first test of the league.
“It’s good in words, but we have to see actions,” said Aces A’Ja Wilson on Friday after practice. “Hopefully people can take measures and understand that this is bigger than basketball. We are true people behind it. Any shoes we wear, any shirt we have, we are human. People have that. I hope they pay attention and listen to the words.”
Associated Press reports.
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