The WNBA has disputed claims that fans of the Indiana Fever’s star Caitlin Clark made monkey sounds at Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, making the allegations another racial hoax.
Indiana fans, specifically Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, were accused of subjecting the WNBA star to racist behavior, prompting calls for his ban from future WNBA events.
Subsequently, the WNBA launched an in-depth investigation, which found no proof of any racist behavior during the match in which Reese’s side lost to her long-term rival’s team.
“We have investigated the report of racist fan behavior in the vicinity of the court during the May 17, 2025 Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever game,” the WNBA said in a statement.
“Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it.”
“The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.”
Seemingly, the left had attempted to pull off another “Jussie Smollett,” which was not backed up by facts.
During the match, Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese after unnecessary physical contact pushed her to the ground following the latter’s offensive rebound.
On June 16, 2024, Reese had also committed a flagrant foul against Clark when she swung her arm and hit the Indiana Fever star in the head, sending her to the ground. Reese justified her actions, calling it “basketball play” and criticizing the referees for allegedly favoring Clark.
Nonetheless, the rivalry between Clark and Reese goes beyond the WNBA, tracing back its roots to their college days. Nevertheless, both have disputed claims that their rivalry was personal.
Meanwhile, Portnoy slammed Reese, the WNBA, and ESPN for magnifying the incident and dragging Clark into the controversy.
“It’s OK to have a spine Indiana Fever,” Portnoy stated. “The ‘investigation’ was bullsh*t. Both you and WNBA gave credibility to a very obvious troll. ESPN ran with it. Caitlin Clark had to defend her fans for no reason. You made something outta nothing. Indiana Fever fans deserve better.”
He also cautioned the WNBA against igniting racial conflicts based on unfounded allegations.
Asserting that “hate speech has absolutely no place” in the WNBA, the Indiana Fever parent company’s CEO, Mel Raines, also welcomed the findings.
Meanwhile, Reese, who may not have personally experienced the alleged racist behavior, continues to receive backlash for “playing along.”
“Angel Reese is a LIAR, she knew 200% wtf she was doing. She knew the ‘Monkey Noises’ was a bullshit story, but she decided to run with it anyway,” one netizen tweeted.
She was also accused of being complicit in amplifying the racial hoax during a press conference. Although both Reese and Clark spoke out against racism, her response clearly suggested that she was the target of an actual hate crime.
Constantly looking down to your left is a sure sign of lying. She can’t meet the eye of the interviewer – just ask any cop.