Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese saga: WNBA investigating claims of 'inappropriate fan conduct'
The WNBA has launched a formal investigation into alleged hateful remarks directed at Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese — and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is speaking out.
During a pre-game shootaround Monday ahead of the Fever's clash with the Atlanta Dream, Clark addressed the controversy that erupted after their dominant 93-58 win over the Sky on Saturday, May 17.
In the game, Reese made a foul which many saw as a 'cheap shot' and an obvious attempt to foul-play Clark.
Angel Reese may be the most petty, insufferable athlete in sports right now…
Her jealously for Caitlin Clark has made her act a fool on and off the court.
pic.twitter.com/B6tBSe3iIV — Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) May 17, 2025
The incident, which took place after the foul and has since been unspecified publicly, reportedly involved "inappropriate fan conduct" that prompted swift reaction from the league.
'There's no place for that in our game,' Clark said via the Indy Star. 'There's no place for that in society. Certainly, we want every person that comes into our arena — whether player or fan — to have a great experience.'
The WNBA condemned 'racism, hate and discrimination in all forms' in its statement on Sunday, confirming that the matter is being looked into under its "No Space for Hate" initiative, launched earlier this season.
The campaign includes a revised fan code of conduct and AI-powered tools to monitor and address online abuse in real time.
Clark expressed support for the league's efforts: 'I appreciate the league doing that. The Fever organization has been at the forefront since day one. Hopefully the investigation finds anything that needs to be addressed, and the proper action is taken.'
Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines affirmed the organization's stance in a statement: 'We are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation. We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.'
The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) also weighed in, calling such behavior 'unacceptable' and voicing confidence in the league to respond appropriately.
This isn't the first time tensions have flared between Clark and Reese — two of the league's most-watched rookies — but this incident has drawn widespread attention not only for the rivalry, but for the broader cultural conversations surrounding the game.
The WNBA's updated code of conduct now explicitly bans racist, sexist, homophobic, or threatening content, both in arenas and on social platforms.
Fans found violating these rules may be blocked from digital platforms or banned from attending league events altogether. Direct threats may even be escalated to law enforcement.
With the spotlight growing on the WNBA like never before, the league's swift response underscores its evolving approach to player safety and fan accountability — both on the court and online.
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