INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever gamers spoke Monday after apply concerning the WNBA investigating allegations of “hateful fan feedback” towards Chicago Sky participant Angel Reese throughout Saturday’s season opener for the groups.
Nobody on the Fever mentioned they heard something particular from the sellout crowd throughout Indiana’s 93-58 victory. However they added that they understood the necessity for an investigation.
“There is no place for that in our recreation, there is not any place for that in society,” Fever guard Caitlin Clark mentioned. “Definitely, we would like each one that comes into our enviornment — whether or not participant or fan — to have an incredible expertise. I admire the league doing that [investigation]. I admire that the Fever group has been on the forefront of that.”
Social media posts throughout Saturday’s recreation mentioned hateful remarks or noises had been made towards Reese after a third-quarter incident involving her and Clark. Clark fouled Reese to stop an open layup try. Reese objected to the foul and tried to confront Clark, however Indiana’s Aliyah Boston saved the gamers aside.
Clark’s foul was upgraded to a flagrant foul 1, and each Reese and Boston acquired technical fouls. Boston was surprised when informed after the sport that she had acquired a technical regardless of being the participant who rapidly defused the scenario.
On Monday, Boston mentioned it was vital for gamers to maintain reiterating the message that followers want to keep up decorum whereas nonetheless having fun with the sport.
“No kind of hate is ever welcomed right here,” Boston mentioned. “As a participant you simply have to remain sturdy and have the ability to name it out if one thing occurs.
“We, as athletes, need to guarantee that followers know it is OK to be passionate, to cheer us on, to get loud. However on the finish of the day, it is about respect. If it was your daughter out on the court docket, you’ll need that respect being proven. That must be the mindset for each fan after they step into an enviornment.”
DeWanna Bonner, in her sixteenth season within the WNBA however first with the Fever, mentioned that the workforce briefly mentioned the scenario and that everybody was on the identical web page.
“We maintain uplifting one another and talking out on these items when that’s wanted,” Bonner mentioned. “That is not what we as gamers stand for, not what the Indiana Fever group stands for. It is zero tolerance.
“In fact, we would like a troublesome setting for opposing groups to play in. However a basketball setting the place folks can nonetheless simply benefit from the recreation.”
The Fever subsequent play Tuesday in opposition to the visiting Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
