Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has publicly criticized the WNBA’s decision to investigate alleged racist remarks directed at Chicago Sky player Angel Reese during a May 17 game against the Indiana Fever. Portnoy, who attended the game, described the crowd as predominantly family-oriented and supportive, suggesting that the accusations were baseless and fueled by online trolls targeting Reese’s rival, Caitlin Clark.
The incident in question occurred after a third-quarter altercation where Fever player Caitlin Clark committed a flagrant foul on Reese, leading to a confrontation and subsequent technical fouls for both teams. Reese was reportedly subjected to booing and alleged racist comments from fans during the game. The WNBA, along with the players’ union and arena management, condemned the behavior and launched an investigation.
Portnoy expressed frustration that the league’s response unfairly painted Fever fans negatively and continued a pattern of mistreatment of Clark. He argued that the WNBA’s actions damage its image and undermine its most popular players.
The WNBA has emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and maintaining a safe environment for all players, stating that there is “absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind” in the league. The investigation is ongoing, and both Reese and Clark have downplayed the on-court incident, describing it as a normal part of the game.
Portnoy’s comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some agreeing that male and female athletes should be treated equally, while others defend Reese’s actions and the WNBA’s response to the allegations.
As the investigation continues, the WNBA faces scrutiny over how it handles issues of racism and fan behavior, and how it balances the promotion of player rivalries with the need to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment.
