Tensions flared between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese during the first of five WNBA regular-season matchups between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, a game that ended with the Fever routing the Sky 93–58.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 17: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky takes a hard foul from Caitlin … More
The on-court altercation occurred midway through the third quarter when Clark was assessed a flagrant 1 foul with 4:38 remaining. Reese had gone up for an open layup when Clark made contact on the play. Reese immediately confronted Clark before Fever forward Aliyah Boston stepped in, resulting in technical fouls for both Reese and Boston.
The incident drew widespread attention, but both players downplayed its significance after the game.
“Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on,” Reese said during the postgame press conference.
Clark echoed a similar sentiment.
“Let’s not make it anything that it’s not. It was just a good play on the basketball,” she said. “I’m not sure what the ref saw to upgrade it, and that’s up to their discretion. I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am.”
The Fever star added, “I went for the ball, and that’s clear as day in the replay. It shouldn’t have been upgraded, but again, that’s up to the refs.”
In the aftermath, the WNBA, Chicago Sky, and Indiana Fever released statements addressing allegations of inappropriate fan behavior during the game.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said in a statement. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
The Sky echoed the league’s concerns.
“We welcome the WNBA’s investigation of allegations of fan misconduct during our first game of the season,” the organization said. “We 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.”
The Fever also confirmed they are cooperating with the investigation.
“We are aware of the allegations of inappropriate fan conduct during yesterday’s game and we are working closely with the WNBA to complete their investigation,” the team said. “We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 17: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark #22 of the … More
During the team’s practice the following day, Clark addressed the league’s investigation into the matter.
“There’s no place for that in our game. There’s no place for that in society,” she said. “We want every person that comes into our arena — whether player or fan — to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that, and the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that since day one.”
Fever head coach Stephanie White also voiced her support.
“We told the team that obviously we’re going to cooperate fully with the investigation,” White said. “There’s no place for that in our league, whether it’s at home, whether it’s on the road. It doesn’t matter.”
Reese, speaking during the Sky’s media availability, commended the league’s swift action.
“They understand that this is the priority. Obviously, there’s no place for this,” she said. “I believe every player in this league deserves to be treated with respect. We want to come to work, have fun, and be in a great environment. I think \[the league has] done a great job putting that statement out.”
As of Monday, the WNBA has not released any updates or findings from its ongoing investigation.
