The Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game was filled with plenty of action and drama. But serious allegations came out after the game.
The Associated Press reported that fans directed racial comments toward Angel Reese during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The WNBA released a statement on the matter Sunday night.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
The Fever also released a statement noting they’re working closely with the league during its investigation.
The league launched “No Space for Hate” this season, a multi-dimensional platform designed to combat hate and promote respect across all WNBA spaces both online and in arenas.
The “No Space for Hate” focused on four areas: enhanced technological features to detect hateful comments online; increased emphasis on team, arena and league security measures; reinforcing mental health resources; and alignment against hate.
This will be the league’s first test of it.
“We trust the league to thoroughly investigate and take swift, appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,” the WNBA Players’ Association said in a statement obtained by women’s basketball reporter Khristina Williams.
It’s unclear when the racial comments allegedly happened. There were no additional details about the incident from the Fever or the WNBA.
The Associated Press contributed to this article
