U.S. Senator, Jim Banks, is publicly calling for the Chicago Sky‘s Angel Reese to issue an apology, after the WNBA concluded its investigation into allegations of hateful fan behavior during a game against the Indiana Fever, ruling there was no evidence to support the claims.
The incident stems from accusations that 23-year-old was targeted with racist comments during a game held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, leading to the league to launch a formal investigation.
However, after reviewing audio and video footage, and interviewing team and arena personnel, as well as fans in attendance, the league found no substantiating evidence to back up the forward’s claims.
“We have investigated the report of racist fan behavior in the vicinity of the court,” the WNBA said in a statement. “Based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team, and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it.
“The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.”
Whilst this does not mean Reese lied or is incorrect, it simply means that the WNBA doesn’t agree with her. Nonetheless, Following the conclusion of the investigation, Senator Banks, a Republican from Indiana, called her out.
“Angel Reese owes Indiana fans an apology,” Banks posted to X.com, formerly Twitter, calling for the honor of his constituents to be recognized by the young basketball star following the probe.
Reese under Chicago Sky pressure as form slumps
Reese had been vocal during the initial stages of the inquiry, but she has remained silent since the league’s announcement. It remains unclear whether she will respond to Senator Banks or the investigation’s findings.
And even on the court, she continues to be challenged by critics as she struggles in her second season as a pro, despite high expectations and offseason work, slipping significantly below standards with efficiency in the paint.
She currently leads the league in offensive rebounds per game (5.7), providing her with multiple scoring chances near the rim. However, her inability to finish remains a major issue as she is attempting 8.7 shots per game from within five feet of the basket, the most of any player in the league. Yet she is converting just 32.7% of those attempts.
That figure falls well below the efficiency of comparable players such as Dearica Hamby and Aliyah Boston, who also average over eight close-range attempts per game, are converting at rates of 59.4% and 70.8%, respectively.
This shooting inefficiency is raising concerns not just about her development, but also about her long-term role in the Sky’s lineup, which could impact both her minutes and the team’s broader success.
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