The WNBA has concluded its investigation into allegations of racist fan behavior during a game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever in Indianapolis earlier this month. The league gathered information from fans, team and arena staff, as well as an audio and video review of the game. This investigation was prompted by claims made by Angel Reese following her loss to Caitlin Clark in their seventh matchup against each other. Clark is considered one of the top rookies in women’s basketball, having won six times against Reese already.
Key Findings
- Allegations: Angel Reese claimed she heard racial slurs directed at her during the game.
- Clark’s Response: Caitlin Clark stated she couldn’t hear anything due to the noise level inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse and emphasized the importance of allowing authorities to handle such investigations without jumping to conclusions.
The WNBA stated it could not substantiate claims of racist fan behavior during the game. The league released a statement saying:
"We have completed our review regarding allegations made after last week’s Sky vs Fever matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 15th. We gathered information from fans who were present at or near section 120 where these alleged incidents occurred; we also spoke with team and arena staff; we conducted an audio and video review of the game."
Response from Chicago Sky Leadership
Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox expressed appreciation for the swift actions taken by both the league and Indiana Fever to address concerns over potential hate speech at their games. He stated:
"I want to thank Commissioner (Cathy) Engelbert for taking swift action when concerns were raised about potential hate speech occurring at our games here in Chicago. I also want to thank Indiana Fever leadership for doing so as well. This process shows just how serious we are about stopping hate from happening anywhere within our organization or any event hosted by us."
Fox emphasized the unacceptability of hate speech in any context, including sports, and expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in the investigation:
"I appreciate everyone involved taking these concerns seriously. We will continue working together with all stakeholders across our organization—including players, coaches, staff, sponsors, partners, and more—to ensure every person attending a Chicago Sky event feels welcome, safe, respected, valued, included, supported, empowered, encouraged, celebrated, loved, appreciated, honored, uplifted, inspired, motivated, energized, rejuvenated, revitalized, renewed, restored, healed, whole, free, happy, healthy, thriving, successful, prosperous, fulfilled, joyful, content, peaceful, blessed, grateful, thankful, hopeful, optimistic, enthusiastic, excited, proud."
Related Developments
In related news, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has announced plans to meet with WNBA players next week amid growing tensions over racism within professional basketball leagues. The meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday afternoon and comes in light of recent incidents, including the indefinite suspension of Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera for allegedly using a racial slur during an arrest.
National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio called Pera’s suspension a "step forward" but criticized the lack of immediate termination. She stated:
"If you’re going to use language like that, you should lose your job. You can’t have someone leading an organization using language like that."
Silver has been meeting privately with several owners to discuss ways to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within their organizations. He reportedly asked owners to commit $1 million per year toward these initiatives through 2027. While owners agreed, they did not commit additional funds beyond what they have already pledged.
Last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced plans for NFL teams’ ownership groups to contribute $250 million toward diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through 2027.
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