A growing controversy within the WNBA has taken a political turn, as a U.S. Senator is publicly demanding an apology from Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese amid what is being described as a “racism storm” surrounding the league. The situation has ignited national debate not only over Reese’s conduct on the court but also over broader issues of race, perception, and media narratives in women’s sports.
The incident stems from a highly publicized WNBA game earlier this week involving the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever. The matchup, which featured high-profile rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, drew significant attention from fans and media alike. During the game, a hard foul on Clark by another Sky player, Chennedy Carter, was later upgraded to a flagrant foul by league officials. Reese, who was on the court at the time and showed visible support for Carter’s physical style of play, did not commit the foul but was swept into the aftermath due to her animated reactions and postgame remarks.
The fallout quickly escalated beyond basketball circles. Media outlets and fans debated whether the foul—and the broader treatment of Clark, a white rookie phenom—was evidence of racial tension in the league. Critics accused some WNBA players, many of whom are Black, of showing resentment toward Clark’s rapid rise to stardom and the attention she has received since entering the league. Supporters of Reese and other players argue that the criticisms are steeped in racial bias, pointing out that physicality has long been a part of the game
