**NBA Player Compares Angel Reese to Civil Rights Icon Amid Controversy**
Former NBA player Etan Thomas has drawn a striking comparison between Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and a member of the historic “Little Rock Nine.” This comparison comes in light of alleged hateful comments directed at Reese during her team’s recent loss to the Indiana Fever.
On social media, Thomas shared an image that superimposed Reese onto the iconic “Scream Image,” which depicts 15-year-old Elizabeth Eckford facing hostility while attending an all-White school in Arkansas following the 1954 Supreme Court ruling that ended public school segregation. Thomas remarked, “This is how it’s been for Angel Reese ever since the 2023 NCAA Tournament when her LSU Tigers defeated Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the national championship game.”
The WNBA is currently investigating reports of racial slurs aimed at Reese during the game held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. While the league has not disclosed specific details about the incidents, they issued a statement condemning racism and hate in all forms, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in the league or society.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) also expressed their support for the investigation, stating, “Such behavior is unacceptable for our sport.” They trust the WNBA to conduct a thorough investigation under its ‘No Space for Hate’ policy to ensure a safe environment for all players.
Despite the controversy, Reese and Clark have downplayed their on-court exchange, labeling it as merely a “basketball play.” Reese’s confidence and performance have made her a prominent figure in the WNBA, where she finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and averaged a double-double in her first season with the Sky.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere in women’s basketball.
**FAQ**
**What incident prompted Etan Thomas to compare Angel Reese to the Little Rock Nine?**
Etan Thomas compared Angel Reese to the Little Rock Nine after she faced alleged racial slurs during a WNBA game, highlighting the ongoing challenges athletes of color encounter.
