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U.S. Senator Is Demanding 'Apology' From Angel Reese
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

In the aftermath of the WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, an investigation was launched into allegations that racist language was used against Reese during the game. The allegations could not be verified and now fans - plus one U.S. Senator - are demanding an apology.

The Senator in question is Jim Banks of Indiana. In the aftermath of the incident, the junior Senator took to X and bluntly stated "Angel Reese owes Indiana fans an apology." His post garnered close to 8,000 likes. 

Banks was not content to keep his demand on social media though. In an interview with Dan Dakich of OutKick, Banks took his demand a step further, publicly stating that Reese should explicitly say, "I'm sorry, I was wrong." But he also acknowledged that he doesn't expect her to do that.

"[Reese] accused the Indiana Fever fanbase of being racist, they investigated it, and said that the accusations were false," Banks said. "The least that she could is apologize to our great state and the fans that show up to these games and say ‘I’m sorry, I was wrong.' Obviously she's not going to do that."

Banks then took the argument in a slightly different direction, admonishing the Indiana Fever and even superstar Caitlin Clark for not standing up for their own fans.

"Why isn't the Indian Fever apologizing to their own fanbase for putting them through that?" Banks asked. "Those are awful allegations; they weren't true, and the fans weren't shouting racial slurs toward Angel Reese or opposing players. Where is Caitlin Clark? Where is the Indiana Fever? Where is the WNBA, saying that there shouldn't have been an investigation? The allegations were false. Where is the apology?"

The WNBA announced on May 27 that they could not substantiate the allegations that were made in the aftermath of the May 17 game.

"Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, teams and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it. 

"The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct."

The WNBA should seriously consider conducting investigations like this more quietly in the future.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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