Angel Reese Press Conference Raises More Questions About Racist Chants Than it Answers

Angel Reese was asked about her experience and whether she faced racist chants, and she was unable to pinpoint such a moment.

Angel Reese Press Conference Raises More Questions About Racist Chants Than it Answers

Angel Reese

The Indiana Fever demolished the Chicago Sky 93-58 in both teams’ WNBA opener this past Saturday. However, a dark cloud has been placed after allegations around Angel Reese facing monkey or racist chants. These allegations are unsubstantiated over 72 hours after the game ended. But they continue to do the rounds, and have forced the WNBA to launch an investigation.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese came together after Reese got an offensive rebound after pushing off Natasha Howard. Clark was aghast at Howard not getting an offensive foul call, and seeing Reese get an easy opportunity on an unguarded bucket, she took a ‘take foul’ and put Reese at the line. However, Reese flopped and fell to the floor. She then flew into a rage and swore at Clark while trying to hit her.

The incident apparently provoked some Indiana Fever fans to start making racist chants at Angel Reese. There is no concrete evidence of this – all that exists is a bunch of tweets from people not at the game. But Reese seems to be hell-bent on running with this narrative. Speaking to the media about the ongoing investigation, she legitimized the complaints.

Yeah, obviously there’s no place in this league for that. I think the WNBA and our team and organization has done a great job of supporting me. I’ve had communication from everyone – from so many people across this league. Being able to support me. Going through this whole process obviously could happen to me, could happen to anyone. I think they’ve done a great job of supporting me.

Angel Reese on rumors of facing racist chants

Indiana Fever reporter James Boyd thought that this was a missed opportunity by WNBA media to find out more. According to him, Angel Reese should have been asked more specific questions about what was said and when it was said. He took the interview given by Reese as confirmation that she faced racist/hateful chants. In his view, and that of many other onlookers, she should’ve provided more clarity.

Why didn’t anyone directly ask Angel Reese what was said? Who said it? And when it was said? The WNBA’s investigation is about “alleged hateful fan comments.” If Angel is confirming these comments, then someone should’ve respectfully asked her to provide more details/context.

James Boyd tweeted

Angel Reese is mocked by WNBA Twitter for her posturing

Most of WNBA Twitter has not been buying this running narrative about the racist chants at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. There have been several clips corresponding to the timestamps when Reese fans started tweeting about monkey chants. All that these clips have gleaned was the use of a FlightReacts laugh soundtrack played by the stadium speakers while Reese lined up to take her flagrant foul free throws.

By now, with all the conversation being drawn away from the basketball being played, WNBA Twitter is completely incensed with what they deem to be a fake narrative aimed at delegitimizing the Fever fanbase.

By now, there has already been enough Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese drama for a full documentary series. The fortunes of the two WNBA sophomores will forever be intertwined. Fever fans would be hoping to be able to celebrate their players’ successes in an unfettered fashion instead of having to consider whose toes they could be stepping on.

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