Angel Reese responded publicly after the WNBA announced that its investigation found no evidence of racist fan behavior during the season-opening game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The news came on May 27, 2025, following accusations of racist conduct at the May 17th game, drawing widespread attention and controversy around Reese and her team.
The WNBA made the announcement after reviewing reports, fan statements, team and arena staff input, and game audio and video recordings. Despite the initial allegations, the league stated it could not verify any racist activity near the court during the Fever vs. Sky matchup. The league reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all participants and attendees.
Details of WNBA’s Investigation into the Incident
In an official statement, the WNBA said it investigated the alleged racist incident during the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever game on May 17, 2025. The inquiry involved gathering information from fans present, team personnel, arena employees, and audio-video evidence from the venue. After thorough examination, the league reported no substantiated proof of racist behavior occurring in the crowd at Wintrust Arena. The WNBA emphasized that it remains vigilant in upholding its fan code of conduct to ensure respectful and safe conditions during games.
Angel Reese’s Response and Public Backlash
Following the league’s declaration, Angel Reese took to the social media platform X late on May 27th, sharing a brief and cryptic message:
“God has a plan. Day by day.”
This statement, however, stirred further criticism from fans upset with the investigation outcome and the controversies surrounding Reese. Several commenters expressed their disappointment sharply, with remarks such as:
“I pray that God gives you the strength to shoot more than 40% on layups,”
—User
“God also gave us the 10 commandments, the 9th being ‘thou shalt not lie,’”
—User
“Keep lying and see how God likes that Angel,”
—User
“That’s your way of saying sorry for lying to millions of people?”
—User
This hostile reaction reflects the tension and frustration surrounding Reese’s role in the events and the wider discourse about professionalism and accountability within the league and among its fans.
Performance Challenges Amid Controversy
Amid the growing off-court tensions, Angel Reese’s on-court performance remains a talking point. In their most recent game, Reese posted a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds, despite the Chicago Sky’s 94-89 loss to the Phoenix Mercury. She is on pace to surpass her previous season average of 13.1 rebounds per game, currently averaging 14 rebounds this season.
However, Reese’s shooting accuracy has not improved as hoped; some statistics indicate her shooting efficiency has declined, signaling ongoing challenges in her game. These struggles add another layer of concern for fans and analysts looking at how she can regain her peak form amid this period of adversity.
Implications for Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky
The WNBA’s findings and the public’s reaction place Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky in a difficult position as they navigate both professional performance and off-court issues. The absence of evidence to support the racist fan allegation shifts attention to the need for better communication and clarity in such serious matters. Meanwhile, Reese’s cryptic message hints at a personal resolve despite public criticism, suggesting she intends to move forward amid setbacks.
For the Sky, the combination of a challenging start to their season, with zero wins and controversial headlines, increases pressure to turn their trajectory around quickly. How Reese and her team respond on the court and in the public eye could significantly impact their reputation and season progress as the league continues to monitor fan behavior and player welfare closely.