SHOCKING VIDEO: “Monkey” Noises Heard During Angel Reese’s Free Throws in Indiana—Just Days After WNBA Launches Probe Over Caitlin Clark Incident! 

In a new development that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability in professional sports, recently surfaced video footage appears to capture racist “monkey” noises emanating from the crowd during WNBA star Angel Reese’s free throw attempts at a game in Indiana.

This incident comes on the heels of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) launching an official investigation into a separate controversy involving Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, raising urgent questions about fan behavior and the league’s response to racism and harassment.

Viral Video Highlights Disturbing Crowd Behavior

The video, which began circulating widely on social media platforms late Tuesday night, shows Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s forward and one of the league’s most prominent young stars, preparing to take free throws during a recent away game against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Amid the usual background noise from the crowd, a series of unmistakable “monkey” sounds can be heard as Reese lines up her shot.

The footage, initially posted by a fan in attendance and later amplified by several prominent sports journalists and commentators, has drawn swift condemnation from fans, athletes, and civil rights organizations.

Many have called for the WNBA and the Indiana Fever organization to identify and ban the individuals responsible.

League and Team Responses

In a statement released early Wednesday morning, the WNBA acknowledged awareness of the video and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.

“The WNBA has a zero-tolerance policy for racism, hate speech, and harassment of any kind,” the statement read.

“We are working closely with the Indiana Fever organization and Gainbridge Fieldhouse security to review all available footage and identify those involved.”

The Indiana Fever also issued a statement, expressing their “deep disappointment and outrage” over the incident.

“We condemn this behavior in the strongest possible terms.

Our organization is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all players, fans, and staff,” the team said, promising full cooperation with the league’s investigation.

Angel Reese Responds

Angel Reese, who has become both a basketball icon and a vocal advocate for social justice since her collegiate days at LSU, addressed the incident on her social media accounts.

“I play this game with pride and passion, and I deserve respect on and off the court,” Reese wrote.

“There’s no place for hate in our sport or in our society. I appreciate the support from my teammates, coaches, and fans as we work to make basketball a safe space for everyone.”

Reese’s teammates and several other WNBA players also voiced their support, emphasizing the need for systemic change in how the league and its franchises address fan misconduct.

Context: Recent WNBA Controversies

This latest incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of fan behavior in the WNBA, particularly following a recent controversy involving Caitlin Clark.

The league announced an investigation into an altercation during a Fever game in which Clark, the highly-touted rookie and former Iowa Hawkeyes star, was the target of a flagrant foul and subsequent fan backlash.

The incident sparked a nationwide debate about player safety, sportsmanship, and the treatment of women athletes.

The emergence of the video involving Reese has added a new layer to the conversation, highlighting the intersection of race, gender, and sports in America.

Advocacy groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Women’s Sports Foundation, have called for stronger measures to protect players from abuse and harassment.

Calls for Action and Policy Changes

In response to the incident, several prominent sports figures and analysts have called on the WNBA to implement stricter security protocols and harsher penalties for fans found guilty of racist or abusive conduct.

Suggestions include lifetime bans, increased surveillance, and mandatory educational programs for season ticket holders.

Legal experts note that while stadiums and arenas are private spaces, they are not exempt from civil rights laws and anti-discrimination statutes.

“Sports leagues have both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure a harassment-free environment,” said Dr. Lisa Carter, a professor of sports law at Indiana University.

Broader Implications for Professional Sports

Incidents of racist taunting and harassment are not new to professional sports, but the rapid spread of video evidence via social media has increased public pressure on leagues to act decisively.

The WNBA, which has positioned itself as a leader in social justice advocacy, faces a crucial test in how it handles the current crisis.

Fans and commentators alike are watching closely to see whether the league’s response will set a new standard for accountability and player protection—not only in women’s basketball but across all sports.

As the WNBA’s investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on the league, the Indiana Fever, and the broader sports community.

The incident involving Angel Reese serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that athletes, particularly women of color, continue to face both on and off the court.

For many, the hope is that this moment will lead to meaningful change and a renewed commitment to respect, equality, and inclusion in professional sports.