Sky star Angel Reese acknowledged Tuesday that it was hard to endure hateful taunts in the season opener Saturday against the Fever in Indianapolis, but she is pushing ahead thanks in part to the strong support she has received from her team and throughout the WNBA.
As the league investigates allegations of racist comments by fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Reese addressed the situation after practice for the first time.
“It’s tough, but I have a great support system,” she said. “I’m loved by so many people. In the moment it’s hard to hear, but my support system is great. God has protected me in so many different ways. I’ve gone through so many different things in the past couple years of my life, but having the support and love and being part of an organization that really supports me and loves me is [important].”
Angel Reese took 3 questions about the WNBA opening an investigation into reported hate speech directed at her during the Sky-Fever game Saturday. After that a Sky media rep quickly responded “next question” when reporters asked follow ups. #Sky pic.twitter.com/qsREFpJCXk
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) May 20, 2025
Reese went on to say that the Sky and WNBA have done a great job supporting her and communicating with her about the situation and credited the league for grasping that “this is a priority” for her and other players.
“They preach no hate speech, and the women in this league know that and know there’s no space for that,” Reese said. “Every player in this league deserves to be treated with respect and want to come to work and have a great environment to work at. They’ve done a great job putting that out and are obviously just going to respond as needed.”
Fans at Gainbridge Arena booed Reese throughout the game and especially when she went to the free-throw line in the third quarter after a flagrant foul by the Fever’s Caitlin Clark.
Clark pushed her to the floor to deny an open layup, and a confrontation ensued. Reese went at Clark verbally as Clark walked back to her bench, and the crowd roared with boos when the officials reviewed the play and upgraded it from a common foul to a flagrant. The arena reached its loudest point as Reese shot her free throws afterward.
WNBA crew chief Roy Gulbeyan called Clark’s foul “not a legitimate basketball play” and “unnecessary contact.”
Reese mostly avoided the subject after the game, saying only, “Basketball play. Refs got it right. Move on.”
Clark disagreed with the flagrant ruling and said, “Let’s not make it something that it’s not,” Clark said. “I wasn’t trying to do anything malicious. That’s not the type of player I am.”
The teams play June 7 and July 27 at the United Center; their next game in Indianapolis is Aug. 9.
