WNBA followers can’t get sufficient of the rivalry between stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. However after a viral incident between the 2 gamers took a probably racist flip, the league is getting concerned in a significant approach.
It began throughout a Chicago Sky sport in opposition to the Indiana Fever on Saturday (Could 17). Indiana blew Chicago out of the water with a 93-58 victory, however outdoors of the surprising season opener, followers and critics fixated on one second between star gamers from every staff.
Clark, a guard for Indiana, caught a flagrant foul in opposition to Reese, a ahead for Chicago, through the sport. This led to a heated interplay between the 2 ladies, which was finally damaged up. If you recognize something about Reese and Clark’s historical past, the confrontation was simply one other for the books.
The 23-year-olds have been pitted in opposition to one another since their faculty years. Reese and Clark have got here out expressing their love for the opposite, however that hasn’t stopped followers from choosing sides. After Saturday’s incident, it was Reese — the Black girl — who obtained the brunt of the hate. On social media, people known as her something from a “r*tarded fish” to a “ghetto hood rat” after the sport.
Now, the WNBA has launched a proper investigation into the racism from Saturday’s incident. In an announcement, the league wrote, “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all varieties – they haven’t any place in our league or in society. We’re conscious of the allegations and are trying into the matter.”
Reese hasn’t responded to the investigation, however Chicago Sky CEO and president Adam Fox Chicago Sky mentioned in an announcement, “We’ll do all the pieces in our energy to guard Chicago Sky gamers, and we encourage the league to proceed taking significant steps to create a secure atmosphere for all WNBA gamers.”
It’s vital to notice the Indiana Fever additionally issued an announcement sharing an identical sentiment to the WNBA’s. They mentioned they’re working “carefully” with the WNBA in its investigation. “We stand agency in our dedication to offering a secure atmosphere for all WNBA gamers,” in accordance with the Guardian.
Though Reese and Clark are sometimes put in opposition to one another, Reese mentioned final 12 months it’s not what people assume. “I don’t assume individuals understand it’s not private… if I see you strolling down the road, it’s like, ‘Hey, woman, what’s up? Let’s hang around.’ I believe individuals simply take it like we hate one another.”
She continued, “Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate one another. I need everyone to know that. It’s only a super-competitive sport.”