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Former NBA player Etan Thomas compared the Chicago Skystar Angel Reese to members of “Little Rock Nine.”
Thomas posted a photo on her social media account on Monday, portraying Lease as one of nine black female students who were able to attend an all-white school in Arkansas following a 1954 Supreme Court ruling that ended the separation in public schools.
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Indiana Fever Forward Natasha Howard, #6, defending Chicago Sky Forward Angel Rees, #5, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis. (via Grace Smith/Indystar/USA Today network imaging images)
The photo shows Reese overlay on an iconic black and white photograph known as the “Scream Image.” It showed 15-year-old Elizabeth Eckford screaming on her way to school. This picture depicted the courage that Eckford was shown to enter Little Rock Central High School.
“This is for Angel Reese when her LSU Tigers defeated Kate Linklark and the Iowa Hawk Eyes in the National Championship Game since the 2023 NCAA Tournament,” Thomas wrote to X.
The WNBA reportedly was investigating racial slander reportedly directed towards the lease during Saturday's game. The league did not detail what allegedly happened during a match at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hatred and discrimination in all forms. They have no place in our league or society. We are aware of the allegations and are investigating the issue,” the league said in a statement.
Dave Portnoy bashing the WNBA as the league investigates “hate comments” against Angel Reese
Chicago Sky Forward Angel Lease #5 responds to the crowd after a basketball game at the WNBA exhibition with Brazil on Friday, May 2, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (AP Photo/Gerard Herbert)
The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has also issued a statement.
“The WNBPA is aware of reports of hateful comments from yesterday's game in Indianapolis and supports the WNBA's current investigation into the issue,” the union said. “That kind of behavior is unacceptable for our sport.
“Under the WNBA's 'space for hatred', we trust that the league will thoroughly investigate and take appropriate action to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. ”
Reese and Clark made a fierce exchange during the game, but both players said it was “basketball play” and nothing more.
Reese's confidence in her abilities and willingness to back them up made her one of the most talked about athletes in the WNBA.
Indiana Fever Guard Kate Rinklerk #22, and Chicago Sky Forward Angel Rees #5, shake hands before a match at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis on May 17, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski-Immagn image)
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She finished second in the WNBA Rookie of the Year poll, winning the WNBA MVP vote, and finished her first year with Sky on average winning a double double.
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