Chicago Sky media, WNBA facing backlash for Angel Reese connected ‘racial war’

Hours before the Chicago Sky lost 94-89 to the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA released its findings on the investigation into an alleged racial incident between an Indiana Fever fan directed towards Angel Reese on May 17 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The league found no “substantiated” evidence of hateful speech directed towards Reese.

The WNBA announced on May 18 that they were looking into the incident. Reece responded by saying that it is “tough” for her to hear hateful comments during WNBA games.

Following the release of the WNBA’s findings Tuesday, the league and media members following the Sky have received harsh criticism for how they handled the investigation and the aftermath.

Did the WNBA start a “racial war” with Angel Reese investigation?

On X, Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports (a well-documented fan of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever) called out ESPN for running with the story and accused the league of creating a “racial war” based on hearsay.

“Maybe wait next time before creating a racial war based on angry tik toks from Chicago Sky/Angel trolls who weren’t even at the game,” Portnoy wrote. “Honestly one of the worst mismanagements of Pr I’ve ever seen.”

Jackson Thompson of Fox News pointed out that Sky and Mercury beat reporters for not asking Reese about the results of the league investigation before or after Tuesday night’s game.

“During the Chicago Sky’s postgame press conference on Tuesday night after a 94-89 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, Sky star Angel Reese was not questioned about the WNBA investigation that could not substantiate claims of hateful comments reportedly toward her,” Thompson wrote.

Chicago Sky’s PR team has been unhelpful with reporters

In defense of the media, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote last week that Chicago’s PR team has shot down reporters’ questions to Reese on the subject. Following the Sky’s loss to the LA Sparks on Sunday, Reese shot down a beat reporter’s question on a topic outside of basketball, saying that she wanted to stick to the game in postgame interviews.

Those covering the Sky should have the opportunity to ask Reese about the WNBA’s findings before or after a practice session. It’s an important question, and Reese should have an opportunity to voice her perspective on the situation.

The Sky’s PR team will have plenty of time to coach Reese on the answer.

Regardless of the league’s findings on the incident at Gainbridge Fieldhouse that came from “relevant fans” (what does that mean?), it doesn’t take long to type Angel Reese’s name on X or Google before one comes across racist sentiment.

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