Caitlin Clark Says 'There's No Place' for Hateful Comments amid WNBA Investigation

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark opened up about the WNBA's investigation into allegations of hateful fan comments made during Saturday's game between her team and Angel Reese's Chicago Sky.

"There's no place for that in our game, there's no place for that in society," she told reporters Monday. "We want every person that comes into our arena, whether player, whether fan, to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that. I appreciate that the Fever organization has been on the forefront of that."

Her comments come after the WNBA released a statement Sunday saying, "The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms—they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter."

Both the Fever and the Sky released statements saying they were aware of the allegations and stressing the importance of creating a safe environment for players and fans at games:

They echoed a statement from the WNBPA that said: "The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments at yesterday's game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA's current investigation into this matter. Such behavior is unacceptable in our sport. Under the WNBA's 'No Space for Hate' policy, we trust the league to thoroughly investigate and take swift, appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all."

While Indiana won Saturday's season opener 93-58, a moment in the third quarter overshadowed the outcome and generated headlines beyond the final score.

Clark committed a flagrant 1 foul on Reese that caused the Sky forward to jump up and approach the Fever guard like she was ready to confront her. However, Indiana forward Aliyah Boston stepped in between the two headline players as Clark walked away.

Officials assessed technicals to Reese and Boston in addition to the flagrant.

"Let's not make it something that it's not," Clark told reporters after the game. "It was just a good play on the basketball. I'm not sure what the ref saw to upgrade it, and that's up to their discretion. It's a take foul to put them at the free-throw line. I've watched a lot of basketball in my life—that's exactly what it was. I wasn't trying to do anything malicious. That's not the type of player I am."

As for the game itself, Clark set the tone with a triple-double of 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds as Indiana started a season of high expectations with a win.

The Fever and Sky next face each other on June 7 in Chicago. The next time they play each other in Indiana is Aug. 9.