Angel Reese teammates tearfully reveal racism-fueled attacks from new WNBA fans
Angel Reese's teammate Isabelle Harrison reveals the attacks she and fellow Chicago Sky players received during this WNBA season.
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Chicago Sky star Isabelle Harrison and WNBA rookie Angel Reese
When Angel Reese first talked about receiving hate from a section of fans of her rival Caitlin Clark, it opened a discourse where now player safety came under the spotlight. WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert seemed to avoid the conversation as the league brought a host of new fans. That came to the attention of other players who asked the commissioner to act on the apparent struggles faced by some players.
Now two of Reese’s Chicago Sky teammates chimed in with their experiences surrounding this problem. While speaking at the post-game press conference, Isabelle Harrison teared up.
I've never experienced this amount of hate and harassment from this entire season. I'm constantly having to block people and just people making narratives up about you. It's hurtful, and it's hard to just focus on basketball. I appreciate the new eyes, but if it comes with hate and bigotry and racism, you can keep it offline because it's so hurtful.Isabelle Harrison said
What Harrison mentioned has been talked about in the league quite a lot recently. Her words suggest that the way new fans, especially those who attack them for bad play, have been too much for them to take. Teammate and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso suggested that a fan of one player need not hate on her opponents. It seems in the new era of the WNBA fans have preferred to pick one favorite player. At the same time, they defend their play by attacking others.
That blind defense is pushing fans to go overboard. Most of their attacks have forced players to block such fans on social media. But they cannot keep blocking people every now and then. They would prefer if fans were a bit more respectful, even if they might be winning against their favorite player.
Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky have a lot to think about this offseason
Isabelle Harrison and a few other Chicago Sky veterans are free agents next season. If this hate-laced fan approach dissuades them from resigning, it could lead to a troubled off-season for the rebuilding team. To return to the playoffs, a team needs a solid mix of veterans to pair with their younger stars.
Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Chennedy Carter have become the core trio. It is not a secret that the Sky will focus on building with them. Players also know that their leading scorer demanded a trade to leave. Then the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries will open up a few more roster spots on other WNBA teams. This might prompt veterans to move to a more stable and quieter environment.
An expansion team usually gets to choose from the non-core players from other teams. All of this points to a difficult offseason where Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky might have to lure players in. Or develop and play better to make it a lucrative destination.
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Joseph Varghese
(2313 Articles Published)