Fever star Caitlin Clark said she believes the WNBA will take proper action if it’s proven that there was improper fan conduct directed during the Fever’s season-opener Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The league says they are looking into claims of racist remarks made towards the Chicago Sky and their players, including Angel Reese.
During a media availability session at the Fever’s practice Monday, Clark told reporters that she appreciates the league and the team taking the steps they have recently to ensure they don’t hear or see anything hateful during games.
“There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” said Clark. “Certainly, we want every person that comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience.”
Clark said she did not hear anything herself coming from fans in the stands during the game.
“It’s super loud in here and although I didn’t hear anything, I think that’s why they’re doing the investigation, that’s why they’re looking into it and it doesn’t mean that nothing happened,” Clark added. “You just trust the league’s investigation and I’m sure they’ll do the right thing.”
Indiana Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines issued a statement the day after the Fever’s season opening win against the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
“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,” Raines said in the statement. “We stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all WNBA players.”
The WNBA also released a statement: “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
The Fever beat the Sky, 93-58, in the season opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday. Caitlin Clark recorded her first triple-double of the season, pacing the Fever with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
1 comment
This investigation is all BS! Do yourself as favor. Google the racial makeup of the WNBA. In the starting line up of the home game against Atlanta there was only ONE starting player that was not black. CC seems to have no problem feeding the ball to her black team mates and celebrates when they make the basket after her assist. So why does Angel (not really an angel) Reese have such a problem with white players? Why attempt to bring racism into the game where the majority are black or non white.
Not to mention the very poor officiating demonstrated last night by 3 successful appeals of calls on the floor.
If the W wants to continue with the enhanced fan engagement, they had better stop all this racism accusation of the fans BS.