By Ryan Morik
Published on June 6, 2025
From the first week of the WNBA season, Caitlin Clark found itself in other wars of words.
One day after she and Indiana fever After massacring Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, the WNBA began investigating reports of “hateful comments” toward Reese by Fever fans that were ultimately “unfounded.”
When the WNBA announced those claims were not true, U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., called on the WNBA to apologize to Fever fans and Indiana residents.
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Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner looks on from the bench in the first half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Indiana Governor Braun highlighted the importance of Clark’s NBA Finals, Fever and the Indiana Pacers in his state. When the topic of Clark came up in the discussion, Braun hoped that the apparent hatred against Clark, and within the association and his fans, could end, while siding with Banks.
“I’m one of those people who has absolutely no tolerance for intolerance and bullying and everything that goes along with this whole discussion. When comments are made that don’t make any sense…when they’re out of line, you have to recognize that. So, I agree with Senator Banks on that, and I hope there’s none of that there,” Braun said.
Although the WNBA investigated reports of verbal attacks against Reese, the WNBA did not investigate a viral video of Brittney Griner in which many people on social media believe she called Clark “trash” and a “fucking white girl.”
Griner’s video emerged shortly after Griner fouled the Fever on a questionable foul during a game in which Clark and Griner, who play two separate positions, were barely close to each other. Others say Griner was actually calling the ref, or the call that was made, “garbage,” adding that it was a “fucking disgusting call.”
Regardless, the video became a hot topic online and there was no response from the WNBA. Braun said if the WNBA were to investigate what was determined to be false allegations of hate speech against Reese, it would have to look at Griner.
Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner leaves the court after a game against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
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“I don’t think there’s any room for that. I think Caitlin kind of did things for the league itself and that should be embraced. I think, if anything, it showcased the talent in this league. You should be grateful for that, without throwing out comments that might indicate otherwise,” Braun said.
“Yeah, I think if there was an examination of what Angel Reese did, I think it would be good to put that aside as well. And I hope it leaves the scene, because it’s not good, no matter where it came from.”
Braun admitted he “didn’t pay that much attention” to women’s basketball before Clark came to his state, “but I have a lot recently.”
“She sells everything Gainbridge Arena like the Pacers and his team,” Braun said. “And the more I watch the games, they’re as competitive, in many cases more so, in terms of scrap and talent. We’re lucky Caitlin ended up in the basketball state. She reignited much of that spirit at the college and high school level. Caitlin has been a wonderful addition and she is in good condition.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings in the second half in Indianapolis on September 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, file)
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