Dave Portnoy, the Barstool Sports founder, dismissed the racist allegations against Angel Reese as “Burshut” and criticized the WNBA for giving legitimacy to “internet rumors.” He claimed the league was unfairly attacking Caitlyn Clark and the Indiana Fever.
On Sunday, the WNBA announced it would investigate supposed racist comments directed at fans during the season opener on Saturday, where Indiana secured a 93-58 victory.
Portnoy, who was present at the game, stated in a lengthy video that he couldn’t believe he needed to address the matter, insisting he hadn’t heard any racist remarks regarding Reese.
Warning: Graphic Language
Portnoy tweeted, accusing the WNBA of failing to manage the situation effectively. He remarked that responding to online trolls appeared to be a misguided move, noting it could tarnish the reputation of Indiana Fever fans for no good reason. “It’s like they won’t be happy until they ruin something good,” he added, stressing that he believed he was correct in his assessment.
“I’ve seen salty trolls online since last night. I’m not sure if they’re true Sky fans or just internet trolls. They seem to have a vendetta against Caitlyn Clark,” Portnoy commented. He described some of the comments as racially charged, referring to accusations that fans had made monkey sounds towards Reese.
Additionally, he mentioned that some online had claimed he was trying to play doctor, implying they were mocking his stance on the issue.
Portnoy characterized the game crowd as a positive mix of “little girls, families, women,” which he felt went against claims of racial abuse.
“If someone were really saying something racist or derogatory, that would be hard to believe from what I witnessed,” he remarked.
He also criticized the WNBA’s proactive statement and investigation into the allegations, labeling it an overreaction. Portnoy argued that the supposed hatred being investigated seemed to spring from baseless claims, stating, “Unless something did happen, I’m not aware that there’s any truth to it.”
Portnoy insisted the crowd was great and deserved praises rather than accusations of racism. He added, “Yes, Angel Reese deserved some boos after that foul on Caitlyn, but beyond that… what’s all the fuss about?”
The tension between Clark and Reese escalated in the third quarter, with Reese falling to the floor and attempting to confront Clark, but her teammates intervened.
Clark received a foul that was criticized as excessive, while both Reese and Aliya Boston were issued technical fouls.
“Talk about ruining the golden goose,” Portnoy expressed frustration regarding how the league was treating its players. “Caitlyn Clark is a jewel for you guys. The Indiana Fever keeps the league lively. The way you’re handling this, you’re just making a mess,” he concluded.
