🏀 WNBA ERUPTS: Dawn Staley has launched a campaign to protect Angel Reese at all costs after Caitlin Clark…
The WNBA has been thrust into the spotlight once again, but this time, it’s not just about the on-court action. A heated incident during the 2025 season opener between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky has ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting South Carolina women’s basketball coach and WNBA icon Dawn Staley to launch a passionate campaign to protect Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. The clash, involving Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, has reignited debates about player safety, fan behavior, and the racial undercurrents that continue to challenge the league’s growth.
On May 17, 2025, during a highly anticipated matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Caitlin Clark was called for a flagrant foul after making contact with Angel Reese’s arm as she drove to the basket, sending Reese to the floor. The incident, which occurred in the third quarter, escalated tensions as Reese confronted Clark, leading to technical fouls for both Reese and Indiana’s Aliyah Boston, who stepped in to separate the two. The Fever dominated the game, winning 93-58, with Clark posting a triple-double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), but the focus quickly shifted from the box score to the fallout. The WNBA announced the following day that it was investigating “alleged hateful fan comments” directed at Reese during the game, with reports indicating racist remarks from the stands.
Dawn Staley, appearing on *The View* on May 20 to promote her new book, *Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and Life Lessons I Learned from All Three*, addressed the incident with a clear message: the league must prioritize protecting its players, particularly Reese. Staley, a respected figure in women’s basketball, emphasized the need to move past the rivalry narrative and focus on fostering a safe environment. “We need to take the lead of Caitlin, take the lead of Angel, they’ve gotten over it,” Staley said, urging the WNBA to address the toxic fan behavior that has marred the Clark-Reese rivalry. She called for stronger measures to combat racism and hate, echoing the league’s “No Space for Hate” initiative, which aims to enhance security, detect harmful online comments, and provide mental health resources for players.
The Clark-Reese rivalry, which began during their college days at Iowa and LSU, has been a double-edged sword for the WNBA. Their matchups draw record-breaking viewership—Saturday’s game averaged 2.7 million viewers, the most-watched WNBA game in ESPN history—but they also attract divisive fan reactions. The 2023 NCAA Championship, where Reese’s LSU defeated Clark’s Iowa, and the 2024 Elite Eight rematch, where Iowa prevailed, set the stage for a narrative that has followed them to the pros. While both players have downplayed personal animosity, with Clark stating, “Let’s not make it anything that it’s not,” the fanbase and media often amplify the tension, sometimes crossing into dangerous territory.
Staley’s campaign underscores a broader issue: the WNBA’s struggle to balance its surging popularity with the responsibility to protect its players from hate. Reese, who has faced racist comments before, addressed the investigation, stating, “There’s no place in this league for that.” Clark echoed this sentiment, saying, “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society.” Yet, the league’s response has drawn criticism for lacking transparency, particularly regarding the technical foul on Boston, leaving fans and media demanding clearer accountability.
The “No Space for Hate” initiative, launched to combat prejudice, has been praised in principle but questioned for its effectiveness. WNBA star A’ja Wilson remarked, “It’s nice in words, but we got to see actions.” Staley’s advocacy adds weight to this call, urging the league to move beyond statements and implement tangible protections. As the Fever and Sky prepare to face off again on June 7, the WNBA faces a pivotal moment to prove its commitment to player safety and inclusivity.
In a league thriving on the star power of players like Reese and Clark, Staley’s campaign is a reminder that growth must not come at the cost of player well-being. The WNBA must act decisively to ensure its brightest stars can shine without fear of hate, setting a precedent for sports everywhere
