WNBA fans canβt get enough of the rivalry between stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. But after a viral incident between the two players took a potentially racist turn, the league is getting involved in a major way.
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It all started during a Chicago Sky game against the Indiana Fever on Saturday (May 17). Indiana blew Chicago out of the water with a 93-58 victory, but outside of the shocking season opener, fans and critics fixated on one moment between star players from each team.
Clark, a guard for Indiana, caught a flagrant foul against Reese, a forward for Chicago, during the game. This led to a heated interaction between the two women, which was eventually broken up. If you know anything about Reese and Clarkβs history, the confrontation was just another for the books.
The 23-year-olds have been pitted against each other since their college years. Reese and Clark have came out expressing their love for the other, but that hasnβt stopped fans from picking sides. After Saturdayβs incident, it was Reese β the Black woman β who got the brunt of the hate. On social media, folks called her anything from a βr*tarded fishβ to a βghetto hood ratβ after the game.
Now, the WNBA has launched a formal investigation into the racism from Saturdayβs incident. In a statement, the league wrote, βThe WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms β they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.β
Reese hasnβt responded to the investigation, but Chicago Sky CEO and president Adam Fox Chicago Sky said in a statement, βWe will do everything in our power to protect Chicago Sky players, and we encourage the league to continue taking meaningful steps to create a safe environment for all WNBA players.β
Itβs important to note the Indiana Fever also issued a statement sharing a similar sentiment to the WNBAβs. They said theyβre working βcloselyβ with the WNBA in its investigation. βWe stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players,β according to the Guardian.
Although Reese and Clark are often put against each other, Reese said last year itβs not what folks think. βI donβt think people realize itβs not personal... if I see you walking down the street, itβs like, βHey, girl, whatβs up? Letβs hang out.β I think people just take it like we hate each other.β
She continued, βMe and Caitlin Clark donβt hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. Itβs just a super-competitive game.β
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