Liberty star Breanna Stewart loves a very good rivalry.
Who doesn’t?
She made her allegiance within the Subway Collection clear Sunday when the New York native threw out the primary pitch in The Bronx sporting a customized Yankees jersey.
However hours earlier than she took the mound together with her teammates standing behind her, the WNBA introduced it was investigating alleged racist feedback from a fan or a number of followers directed towards Angel Reese through the Sky’s recreation in opposition to the Fever on Saturday.
The league additionally reiterated its laborious stance in opposition to racism, hate and discrimination in any kind.
Particulars of the incident stay imprecise, and it’s unclear when the alleged feedback have been made.
However tensions did flare between Clark and Reese within the third quarter of the Fever’s 93-58 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis when Clark dedicated a tough foul on Reese to forestall her from an open layup.
Reese tumbled to the courtroom following the foul, however she shortly jumped again up and headed towards Clark.
Teammates stepped in to forestall the scuffle from escalating, whereas Clark, who acquired a flagrant foul, headed again towards the Fever bench.
Reese and Indiana’s Aliyah Boston acquired technical fouls.
Reese was additionally subjected to boos by followers all through the sport.
Stewart mentioned she was conscious of the WNBA’s investigation, however doesn’t know all the main points of the incident. She mentioned rivalries are supposed to be a enjoyable a part of sport.
“There comes a line and as athletes and as fans, we have to make sure we continue to respect the space of one another so we can all be our best thing ever,” Stewart mentioned.
Rivalries are the spine of sports activities.
Some are birthed by geographical places. Others — just like the Liberty and Aces — are fashioned over the course of time or stem from heated playoff collection. They’re meant to be enjoyable and drum up pleasure.
Generally, although, followers overstep and people rivalries flip vile and hateful.
If the allegations the WNBA are investigating are discovered to be true, it will mark a darkish chapter of the Clark-Reese rivalry, which began when the 2 performed each other in an NCAA Event championship recreation in faculty.
Stewart believes wholesome rivalries are good for sport.
She referenced Yankees followers turning their backs to Juan Soto through the ongoing collection in opposition to the Mets together with Liberty followers booing the Aces in Saturday’s season opener.
She is aware of Aces followers will return the favor later this season, when the Liberty journey to Las Vegas.
“That’s the luxury of the sports,” Stewart mentioned. “That’s what sports is all about is having passionate fans behind you like we do at Liberty games, like they do here for the Yankees.”
