In the wake of the WNBA issuing a statement denouncing racist and derogatory comments from fans, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has taken to social media to share her perspective.
Reese, who became a household name during her time at LSU, has continuously used her platform to shed light on what she and some other players have dealt with throughout their respective careers. Thursday, Reese took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the recent developments that prompted a reaction from the league.
What did Reese say? Here is more on what led to Reese's latest statements and why the WNBA is facing scrutiny for its handling of recent events.
MORE: Sun's Alyssa Thomas calls out Fever fans for racist comments
What did Angel Reese say about WNBA fans and media? Sky star responds to recent league controversy
Reese's first post quoted a SportsCenter segment in which former player and current ESPN analyst Andraya Carter expressed disappointment in the hateful rhetoric that players are continuously forced to deal with.
"Y'all know I've been going through this for the last two years but was told 'save the tears' and 'stop playing victim,'" Reese said. "Y'all a little late to the party and could have tried to put out this fire way before it started."
Reese's post is in response to the ESPN segment but her comments appear to be directed toward the WNBA and their response to what has recently transpired. Reese also reposted the ESPN segment, signaling agreement with Carter's statement.
In a follow-up post , Reese added, "I’ve never in my life had privilege but I definitely know the power I have through my platform. That didn’t come overnight.
"I grew that on my OWN. With that being said, I will continue to use my voice in the right way & say what’s right even though it has backfired on me to be this 'villain.' I won’t stop!!"
She continued with a third post, writing that the media has benefitted from her pain and creating a narrative of her as a villain. Reese added that she did not want an apology but wanted to be heard and acknowledged.
Reese recently said on her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast that she has been subjected to racist comments, death threats, and stalking from who she believed were fans of Caitlin Clark.
The segment that sparked Reese's latest comments came in response to Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas, who alleged racism from Indiana Fever fans during the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.
Shortly after Thomas' statement, Sun head coach Stephanie White echoed similar sentiments, and the WNBA issued a statement many fans believed should have come months earlier in the season.
MORE: What happened between Caitlin Clark and Sun fan during Game 2?
WNBA statement
Here's the statement shared by the WNBA shortly after the conclusion of the playoff series between Indiana and Connecticut.
The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world. While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league. League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement, as necessary.
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