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Former NBA player Etan Thomas compared Chicago Sky star Angel Reese with a member of “Little Rock Nine” when the WNBA player allegedly had “hateful comments” thrown against her during the team’s loss to the Indiana fever.
Thomas on Monday published a photo in his social media account, portraying Reese as one of the nine black schoolgirls capable of attending a completely white school in Arkansas after the Supreme Court of 1954, ending separation in public schools.
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Indiana Fever Forward Natasha Howard, #6, Guards Chicago Sky Forward Angel Reese, #5, Saturday, May 17, 2025 during a game between Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith / Indystar / USA Today Network via Imag images)
The picture showed Reese overlaid on the iconic black and white photo known as “Scream Image.” It showed that 15-year-old Elizabeth Eckford shouted on the way to school. The image depicted the courage shown by Eckford by entering Little Rock Central High School.
“That’s how it has been for Angel Reese ever since the 2023 NCAA tournament when her LSU Tigers defeated Caitlin Clark and Iowa Hawkeyes in the national championship game,” Thomas wrote at X.
WNBA allegedly investigated racial slides reported to be aimed at Reese during the game on Saturday. The league did not come into details of what allegedly took place during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“WNBA condemns heavily racism, hatred and discrimination in all forms – they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the claims and investigate the matter,” the league said in a statement.
Dave Portnoy slams wnba as the league examines ‘hateful comments’ to Angel Reese
Chicago Sky Forward Angel Reese, #5, responds to the crowd following a WNBA exhibition basketball match against Brazil in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) also released a statement.
“WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments on yesterday’s games in Indianapolis and supports WNBA’s current investigation into this case,” the Union said. “Such a behavior is unacceptable to our sport.
“Under WNBA’s ‘No Space for Hate’ policy, we trust that the league can thoroughly examine and take quick, appropriate actions to ensure a safe and inviting environment for everyone.”
Reese and Clark had a heated exchange during the game, but both players said it was a “basketball game” and nothing more.
Reese’s confidence in her abilities and willingness to back up them has made her one of the most talked about athletes in WNBA.
Indiana Fever Guard Caitlin Clark, #22, and Chicago Sky Forward Angel Reese, #5, shaking his hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on May 17, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski-Published Pictures)
She ended up in second place in the Wnba Rookie of the Year voted, earned a WNBA MVP vote and completed her first year with the sky on average a double-dual.
