WNBA goes SILENT on Angel Reese Sharing Tiktok Post Advocating for VIOLENCE on Caitlin Clark!
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WNBA Faces Backlash After Angel Reese Shares TikTok Advocating Violence Against Caitlin Clark: League Remains Silent
NEW YORK, NY — The WNBA is embroiled in controversy after Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese shared a TikTok post widely interpreted as advocating violence against Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The incident, which has ignited a firestorm across social media and sports talk shows, has left fans and commentators questioning the league’s standards, leadership, and commitment to its own “zero tolerance” policies.
A TikTok Post Sparks Outrage
It began with a post that many, including this reporter, initially believed was fake. The TikTok in question featured imagery and captions suggesting that “the white girl didn’t want any of the fade,” a slang reference to fighting, accompanied by images of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. The context: a recent Fever-Sky game in which Clark, after a take foul, walked away from confrontation rather than engage with Reese.
At first, the post seemed too outrageous to be real—surely, a professional athlete wouldn’t publicly amplify content that could be read as advocating violence against a fellow player, especially one as high-profile as Clark. But as the evidence mounted, it became clear: Angel Reese had indeed reposted the video on her official TikTok account.
The WNBA’s Deafening Silence
As the controversy grew, fans and media figures alike waited for the WNBA to respond. Would the league issue a statement? Would Reese face a fine or suspension for behavior that appeared to violate the league’s own policies on hate and violence?
The answer, so far, has been silence.
Sports journalist Bobby Burack of Outkick reached out to the WNBA for comment, asking explicitly about Reese’s repost and whether the league would address what many saw as a racially charged, violent message. The league declined to comment, refusing to address the issue publicly or provide clarity on potential disciplinary action.
Double Standards and Zero Tolerance
The silence from league officials is especially glaring given the WNBA’s recent history of touting a “zero tolerance” policy for hate and unsportsmanlike conduct. The league has not hesitated to investigate, fine, or suspend players and fans for less overtly provocative actions and words. In fact, just days before the Reese incident, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert had lectured Indiana Fever fans about “appropriate conduct” following allegations of heckling and “hate speech” at a home game.
Yet, when confronted with a situation in which one of its own players appeared to advocate violence—specifically, violence against the league’s most visible and marketable star—the WNBA’s response was to say nothing at all.
Race, Rivalry, and Responsibility
The incident has also reignited conversations about race and rivalry in women’s basketball. The TikTok post’s language and imagery were widely interpreted as not only advocating violence but also bringing race to the forefront in a way that many fans and commentators found troubling.
“Angel Reese cries about racism that never happened, then goes on and reposts openly racist TikToks,” one Black and White Sports commentator said. “This is why the WNBA is a joke, and not only allows but encourages racism against white people.”
While the league has been quick to denounce perceived racism against Black players, critics argue that it has failed to apply the same standards when the roles are reversed. The perception of a double standard—one set of rules for some players, another for others—has only fueled the backlash.
The League’s Image at Stake
The timing of the controversy couldn’t be worse for the WNBA. The league is enjoying unprecedented attention and growth, thanks in large part to the arrival of college superstars like Caitlin Clark. Her presence has driven up ratings, ticket sales, and media coverage, turning previously overlooked games into must-see events.
But with that spotlight comes scrutiny, and the league’s handling of the Reese incident threatens to undermine the progress made on and off the court.
“If you want to keep all these new fans around and be treated like a real sports league, you’ve got to start taking things like this seriously,” the commentator argued. “You can’t worry more about fans heckling Brittney Griner over her arrest in Russia than you do about one of your own players advocating violence against another.”
Fans React: “Fed Up” With the League
The fallout has been swift and severe. Fever fans, in particular, have expressed frustration and disappointment with the league’s priorities. Many feel that the WNBA is more concerned with policing fan behavior than holding its own players accountable.
“I can tell you this: a lot of Fever fans are already sort of fed up,” the commentator said. “They’re the ones grabbing the ratings, paying up for tickets—even on the road. And now, they’re left wondering if the league cares more about its image than about fairness and player safety.”
Some have even speculated that the controversy could hurt attendance, even at games featuring Caitlin Clark—a prospect that would have been unthinkable just weeks ago.
Media and Satire: The Absurdity of the Moment
The controversy has also become fodder for satire and parody, with social media accounts joking that the WNBA might soon ban booing at games in an effort to stifle any form of dissent or criticism. While these posts are clearly tongue-in-cheek, they reflect a broader sense of frustration and disbelief among fans and observers.
“At this point, we’re expecting the WNBA to literally do something absurd like ban booing in a sports league,” the commentator quipped. “And if they do something like that, it’ll be a wrap. It’ll be over.”
The NBA’s Role: Where Is Adam Silver?
Some have called on NBA commissioner Adam Silver to step in, given that the NBA owns a significant stake in the WNBA and many WNBA teams are owned by NBA franchises. The argument: if the league’s leadership won’t act, perhaps Silver can provide the accountability and direction that’s currently lacking.
“It seems to me like the NBA and Adam Silver should get involved here,” the commentator said. “If you mess this up for these NBA owners, if you mess up the media rights deal and advertising, you’re out. You’re fired.”
What Does the WNBA Stand For?
At its core, the controversy raises fundamental questions about what the WNBA stands for—and whether it is willing to enforce its own standards consistently and transparently.
The league has built its brand on values of inclusion, respect, and empowerment. But when those values are challenged from within, the response—or lack thereof—speaks volumes.
“Is this what Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA wanted?” the commentator asked. “All this drama, all this controversy—is it worth the ratings bump if it comes at the expense of the league’s integrity?”
The Path Forward: Demanding Accountability
Fans, media, and even some players are now demanding answers. Will the league address the situation publicly? Will Angel Reese face any consequences for her actions? Or will the WNBA continue to turn a blind eye, hoping the controversy will fade as quickly as it erupted?
If the league wants to be taken seriously—by fans, sponsors, and the broader sports world—it must demonstrate that its values are more than just marketing slogans. That means holding all players to the same standards, regardless of their popularity, background, or social media following.
Final Thoughts: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
The WNBA is at a crossroads. The arrival of stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has brought unprecedented attention and opportunity. But with that comes responsibility—to the players, to the fans, and to the game itself.
If the league fails to act, it risks alienating the very people who have fueled its recent growth. If it chooses transparency and accountability, it can emerge stronger, more credible, and better positioned for the future.
For now, the silence is deafening. And as the controversy continues to swirl, one thing is clear: the WNBA’s next move will define not just this season, but the league’s legacy for years to come.
