"The investigation was bulls**t" - Dave Portnoy calls out WNBA & Fever after racism probe yields no answers in claims involving Caitlin Clark

Barstool Sports founder and owner Dave Portnoy reacted to the Indiana Fever's statement regarding the WNBA's investigation into alleged racist remarks during the Sky-Fever game on May 17.

The league had announced that it would investigate the reported racist comments by fans during the season opener between Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and Angel Reese's Chicago Sky.

After 10 days, the WNBA that it had concluded its investigation of reported remarks, saying it did not find any proof of it.

Portnoy called out the Fever franchise and the league, saying the investigation should not have been done in the first place.

"It’s okay to have a spine (Indiana Fever). The 'investigation' was bulls**t. Both you and (WNBA) gave credibly to a very obvious troll. (ESPN) ran with it. (Caitlin Clark) had to defend her fans for no reason. You made something outta nothing. (Indiana Fever) fans deserve better," Portnoy tweeted.

Expand Tweet

In a statement, Mel Raines, the CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns and manages the Fever, said the organization supports the league's findings. Raines also said that hate comments have no place in their home arena, Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Dave Portnoy was at the opening game on May 17, winning $350,000 on a bet that Clark would finish with a triple-double. The social media personality also proclaimed himself a fan of Caitlin Clark and her team.

"No. 1 Caitlin Clark fan, No. 1 Fever fan, No.1 WNBA expert," Portnoy said on Wednesday as he announced he has placed a wager on Clark's second game.

Expand Tweet

Dave Portnoy rips WNBA PR over racism investigation

Dave Portnoy posted another tweet on Tuesday, this time sharing the statement released by the league.

Portnoy doubled down on his claim that the allegation was baseless.

"No shit you fucking morons (WNBA). Maybe wait next time before creating a racial war based on angry TikToks from Chicago Sky/Angel trolls who weren’t even at the game. Honestly one of the worst mismanagements of PR I’ve ever seen," Portnoy wrote.

Expand Tweet

The WNBA said it spoke with fans, arena staff and team employees. While the investigation did not find anything conclusive, the league reiterated that it is committed to providing a "safe and inclusive" environment for fans.

In addition, the league said it will be "vigilant" in carrying out its rules for proper fan behavior.

About the author

Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda with a decade of multi-industry experience. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and is currently a candidate for a master's degree in business administration.

Writing has been Kim's passion, and during college, he was editor-in-chief. He has also accumulated a diverse entrepreneurial background. He possesses a knack for research and was recently a professor.

Kim has been a Boston Celtics fan since 2007, through its many ups and downs. He was delighted when the Cs raised its 18th banner in 2024.

Beyond basketball, he also enjoys following the NFL, MLB and F1. When not immersed in the world of sports and when he is not editing or writing, Kim is likely searching for the perfect cup of joe.

Know More

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos