Angel Reese Targeted by Racist Taunts During WNBA Game
Sabrina Smith traveled from St. Louis to Indiana with her daughter and 12-year-old granddaughter for what she hoped would be a special moment—their first WNBA game in person. The Fever vs. Sky season opener on May 17, 2025, started as a dream but ended with a bitter memory of racism and disappointment.
“We’re sports lovers—sports lovers, period,” said Smith. “My granddaughter just started playing basketball and loves it. We thought this would be a phenomenal experience for her.”
That experience took a troubling turn in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was charged with a flagrant foul after a hard play against Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese. As officials discussed the call, Smith said the crowd noise changed drastically.
“It was quiet while the refs were reviewing, then they upgraded it to a flagrant,” she recalled. “All of a sudden, I started hearing racially derogatory comments—slurs being shouted, hateful noises being made. My 12-year-old granddaughter was right there beside me.”
Smith said she tried hard not to react outwardly for the sake of her granddaughter. “I told her to focus on the game, to watch Angel take the free throws. But what I heard was very real and very ugly.”
According to Smith, the slurs intensified as Reese stepped up to the free-throw line. Other spectators appeared disturbed, she said, turning around to locate the source of the remarks. “I know they heard it too—they were looking in the same direction I was.”
The day after the game, the WNBA issued a public statement condemning the hateful incident and confirming an investigation into the racially charged comments.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms – they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said. No further comment was issued beyond the original statement.
Smith believes the league’s investigation validates what happened. “If nothing had been said, there’d be no reason to investigate. These things still happen—this is real life.”
Though the Smith family sat in the 200 level—far from the court—Sabrina is convinced players didn’t hear the abuse, but that doesn’t make the experience any less painful.
“This ruined it for me,” she said. “My granddaughter was upset. I don’t want to return to Indiana. I was even planning to see them play the Wings or attend the All-Star Game. I don’t feel that way anymore.”
The WNBA has not yet released any additional updates on the investigation.
RELATED
