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The WNBA and the Indiana Fever have concluded their investigation into alleged “hateful comments” directed at Angel Reese during the May 17 game, determining the claims were “not substantiated.”
The game in question featured Reese’s Chicago Sky against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Tensions flared when Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese, leading to a separation.
the league announced the investigation the following day, which officially closed on tuesday.
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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky look on during the game on June 1,2024,at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in indianapolis. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Fever released a statement acknowledging the WNBA’s investigation, stating, “We appreciate the swift and thorough process undertaken by the WNBA to investigate these allegations, which were not substantiated.”
The statement continued, “At Gainbridge fieldhouse, we are committed to providing the best possible basketball experience for players and fans where hate speech has absolutely no place. Indiana is home to the world’s greatest fans, and we look forward to an exciting season of Fever basketball.”
Prior to the start of the 2025 season,the WNBA launched its “No Space for Hate” campaign. This initiative includes utilizing AI-powered social media monitoring to enforce a revised code of conduct.
“As part of the comprehensive plan,the WNBA is rolling out an AI-powered technology solution to monitor social media activity,in partnership wiht players and teams,to help protect the community from online hate speech and harassment,” the league stated.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
FEVER COACH SEES SILVER LINING AS CAITLIN CLARK SIDELINED WITH QUAD INJURY
The WNBA’s updated fan code of conduct now encompasses social media behavior, with potential sanctions for fans who violate the policy, including being blocked from official content. Racist, homophobic, sexist, sexual, threatening, or libelous content is explicitly listed as “subject to blocking or deletion.”
Last season, Clark’s Fever held a 3-1 record against the Sky, including a dominant 93-58 victory on May 17. The teams are scheduled to meet three more times this season, with the next two games taking place at the United Center in Chicago.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin clark, left, fouls Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
However, Clark may miss their next game on June 7, as she is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a quad injury.
fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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