Angel Reese has spoken out following allegations that she was targeted with racial slurs during the Chicago Sky’s season opener against the Indiana Fever — a game that also featured a heated moment between her and rookie star Caitlin Clark.
While the WNBA has launched an investigation, no conclusive evidence has yet been found. Still, the incident has sparked strong reactions from around the league, and on Tuesday, Reese finally addressed the issue publicly.
“Obviously it’s tough, but I think I have a great support system,” Reese told reporters. “I’m loved by so many people, and obviously, in the moment, it is hard to hear, but my support system is great. God has protected me in so many different ways.”
Angel Reese, affectionately known as the “Chi-town Barbie,” has felt the support not only from her own team but also from the Fever and the WNBA itself. The allegations stemmed from the crowd’s reaction after Clark’s flagrant foul on Reese during the third quarter of Saturday’s game.
Though there’s no animosity between Reese and Clark, the two are bound to meet again four more times this season, with their next two games scheduled to take place on the Sky’s home court in Chicago.
Caitlin Clark is once again taking a strong stance against racism after her highly publicized run-in with Angel Reese during the Indiana Fever’s dominant 93-58 win over the Chicago Sky to open the WNBA season.
What was supposed to be a milestone moment for Clark’s professional debut quickly turned controversial after claims surfaced that some Fever fans hurled racist slurs at Reese while she was at the free throw line. The WNBA has since launched an investigation into the matter, receiving support from both the Fever and Clark herself.
“There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said on Tuesday. “We want every person — whether you’re a fan or a player — to feel welcomed and respected in the arena. I’m grateful the league is taking this seriously, and I’m proud that our organization is standing up the right way.”
Though the investigation remains ongoing, ESPN’s Michael Voepel reported that no Fever players claimed to have heard any offensive comments during the sold-out home game in Indianapolis.
With tensions still running high, fans are already circling June 7 on the calendar, when Clark and the Fever head to Chicago for what’s expected to be another intense matchup against Reese and the Sky.
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