Breaking News: WNBA Cannot Substantiate Hateful Fan Comments Toward Angel Reese
In a statement released earlier today, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced that after a thorough investigation, it cannot substantiate claims that the league’s star player, Angel Reese, has been subjected to hateful and derogatory comments by fans, as was initially reported on social media earlier this week. The investigation, led by the league’s independent review board, looked into allegations that fans at recent games, both in-person and on various digital platforms, directed racist and misogynistic slurs toward the LSU standout.
The investigation has raised a host of questions not only about the nature of the comments in question but also about the increasing scrutiny and online harassment that female athletes, particularly women of color, face in the world of professional sports. While the WNBA has made it clear that no direct evidence linking the offensive remarks to any one individual or group was found, the league has nonetheless vowed to continue its efforts to foster a safe and respectful environment for players and fans alike.
The Controversial Comments
The controversy surrounding Angel Reese began last week, after a social media post gained significant attention alleging that Reese had been the target of hateful messages, including racial epithets and threats, during and after her games. The claims quickly went viral, especially as Reese, a rising star with the LSU Tigers and the reigning NCAA tournament MVP, is known for her bold, competitive nature on the court.
Reese’s outspoken personality and her unapologetic confidence have made her a polarizing figure, both on and off the court. While she has received tremendous support from fans and colleagues alike, including her teammate and fellow WNBA rising star, Sabrina Ionescu, Reese has also encountered substantial criticism and vitriol, particularly in the aftermath of her intense and competitive performances during the NCAA Tournament. The social media backlash has been especially pronounced, with some critics targeting her on the basis of both her on-court demeanor and her identity as a Black woman excelling in a predominantly white sport.
The initial allegations of hate-filled remarks were reportedly linked to comments made during a post-game interview and on various social media platforms. According to Reese, the comments included overtly racist insults, body-shaming, and misogynistic attacks aimed at her both personally and professionally. This prompted the WNBA to step in and launch a full investigation into the matter, with league officials saying they would work closely with social media platforms and event organizers to determine the source and validity of the complaints.
WNBA Investigation Findings
After reviewing thousands of social media posts, in-game footage, and fan interactions, the WNBA’s investigation revealed that no substantiated claims of hate speech were found to be directed specifically at Angel Reese during the games in question. The investigation included monitoring public comments on various platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as analyzing interactions from fans attending the games in person.
Despite the fact that the league could not confirm any direct evidence of the harmful comments, they did acknowledge the troubling trend of online harassment that has plagued Reese and other athletes, particularly women of color. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement this afternoon, emphasizing the league’s commitment to providing a safe space for all athletes, regardless of race, gender, or background.
“Our investigation has not substantiated the specific claims of hateful fan behavior directed at Angel Reese,” Engelbert stated. “However, this situation underscores a larger issue that we take very seriously—the ongoing harassment faced by many of our players, especially women of color, both on and off the court. The WNBA remains steadfast in its mission to combat all forms of discrimination, harassment, and hate, and we will continue to work closely with our players, the fans, and digital platforms to create a more positive environment for all involved.”
The Larger Issue: Harassment of Female Athletes
While the specific comments directed at Reese could not be verified, the larger issue of harassment of female athletes—particularly Black women in sports—has been well documented. Reese, who has been outspoken about the challenges she has faced as a young, Black athlete in a predominantly white sport, is not the first player to experience online trolling and hate-filled commentary.
In recent years, social media platforms have become a battleground for many female athletes, who regularly face racist, sexist, and sometimes outright violent comments from fans who hide behind the anonymity of their screens. Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Naomi Osaka are just a few high-profile examples of athletes who have been subjected to similar online vitriol throughout their careers.
For Reese, the experience has been particularly intense, especially as she has risen to prominence as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball and as a role model for young girls of color. Reese’s unapologetic personality—often characterized by her celebrations, competitive spirit, and fierce on-court demeanor—has been met with praise by some and disdain by others. Some critics have used her personality as an excuse to attack her character, focusing on everything from her appearance to her “cocky” style of play.
However, Reese has continued to speak out about the importance of embracing one’s true self and standing up to those who seek to tear others down. She has expressed gratitude for the support she’s received from her fans and teammates but has also been candid about the challenges she faces in navigating the spotlight.
In an Instagram post following the release of the WNBA’s investigation results, Reese addressed the larger conversation surrounding the harassment she has faced.
“I know who I am. I know what I stand for. I’ve always been unapologetically me, and I won’t stop. This investigation may not have found evidence of the hate I’ve experienced, but we all know the truth. My goal is to make sure future athletes don’t face the same level of scrutiny and disrespect,” Reese wrote. “We all deserve better. Let’s continue to move forward in love and respect for one another.”
Reactions from the WNBA Community
The WNBA community has rallied behind Reese in the wake of the investigation. Several current and former players, including Skylar Diggins-Smith and Maya Moore, have publicly supported Reese and voiced their concerns about the impact of online harassment on the mental health of athletes.
“I’m glad the league is investigating these matters, but we all know that hate and discrimination are still rampant in many forms,” Diggins-Smith said in a tweet. “This isn’t just about one player. This is about creating an environment where women, especially women of color, can thrive without fear of harassment or violence.”
Maya Moore, who has long been a vocal advocate for social justice, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of hate within sports culture.
“There’s a bigger picture here. The issue of hate and harassment in sports isn’t going to disappear overnight,” Moore said. “We need to continue to address these issues head-on, so that future generations of athletes can play without being diminished or dehumanized.”
What’s Next for Angel Reese?
Despite the lack of evidence supporting the allegations against fans, the aftermath of this investigation has once again shone a light on the broader issues of racism and sexism in professional sports. For Angel Reese, this episode is just another chapter in her growing legacy, one in which she continues to serve as a trailblazer and a voice for marginalized athletes.
While the WNBA may have closed its investigation, Reese has made it clear that she will continue to use her platform to advocate for change. Whether or not the league can substantiate all the claims, one thing remains clear: the fight against hate in sports is far from over, and the voices of athletes like Angel Reese will remain at the forefront of the battle.