U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., has called on the WNBA and the Indiana Fever to apologize to fans after an investigation found no evidence supporting accusations of racial remarks against Angel Reese. The league’s probe, conducted following a May 17 game between the Fever and the Chicago Sky, concluded that the allegations were unfounded. Banks argues that the fan base was falsely accused and that the teams should issue a public apology.
The WNBA initiated the investigation following reports of racial comments directed at Angel Reese during the game. Despite the allegations, the league’s statement indicated that there was no evidence to support the claims. The investigation included reviews of audio and video footage, as well as interviews with fans, team staff, and arena personnel. However, no substantiation was found for the accusations, leading to the decision to not pursue further action.
Banks, who expressed his concerns during an appearance on OutKick’s ‘Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich’ show, criticized the league and the Fever for their handling of the situation. He argued that the accusations were unfounded and that the teams should apologize to the fans for the false claims. The senator emphasized that the accusations were damaging to the fan base and the state of Indiana, and that the teams have a responsibility to acknowledge the situation and take corrective measures.
The Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever released statements following the league’s investigation. While they acknowledged the need to address the issue, they did not issue a public apology. Banks, however, believes that both the teams and the league should have taken a more proactive approach, especially given that the investigation confirmed the allegations were false. He called for a clear and public apology from all parties involved, stressing that the situation was demeaning to the fans and the community.
Before the start of the 2025 season, the WNBA launched its ‘No Space for Hate’ initiative, which aims to combat hate and promote respect across all WNBA spaces. This includes the use of AI-powered technology to monitor social media activity and ensure that the league’s standards are upheld. The initiative reflects the league’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all players and fans. However, Banks and other critics argue that the league’s response to this specific incident was insufficient, and that more direct action is needed to address the false accusations against its fans.
In the wake of the controversy, the WNBA and the Fever have faced pressure to provide a clear and decisive stance on the matter. While the league has taken steps to implement new measures to prevent such incidents, the lack of a public apology from the teams has left many fans and critics dissatisfied. As the WNBA continues its efforts to maintain a positive image and ensure inclusive environments, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in addressing allegations of racism and hate in sports.