EXCLUSIVE: Angel Reese in Tears After Fans Pelt Her with Popcorn in Shocking WNBA Incident
In a stunning and disheartening moment that has rocked the WNBA, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese was left in tears after fans pelted her with popcorn following a heated game against the Washington Mystics on July 8, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a nail-biting 81-79 loss at Wintrust Arena, has sparked outrage among players, fans, and analysts, raising serious questions about fan behavior and player safety in the league. This exclusive report delves into the details of the incident, Reese’s emotional response, and the broader implications for the WNBA.
The Incident Unfolds
The Chicago Sky, already struggling with a 5-13 record, faced the Washington Mystics in a tightly contested match. With just 30 seconds left and the score tied at 79, a controversial foul call against the Sky prompted an immediate challenge. As the players returned to the bench, Reese, visibly frustrated, slammed a clipboard out of the hands of Ann Crosby, the team’s vice president of basketball operations. The emotional outburst quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans. However, what happened next escalated the situation to a new level of disgrace.
As Reese exited the court after the game, a group of fans, reportedly upset by her on-court behavior and the Sky’s loss, began throwing popcorn at her from the stands. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Reese visibly shaken as she tried to shield herself from the debris. Security quickly intervened, escorting her to the locker room, but the damage was done. Videos circulating on social media captured Reese in tears, her head bowed as she left the arena, sparking a firestorm of reactions across platforms like X and TikTok.
Reese’s Response and Fan Backlash
Reese, known for her fiery personality and unapologetic presence, took to X shortly after the incident to address both her outburst and the fans’ actions. “Those refs were pissing me off 😭 shoutout to Ann because she knew it was the heat of the moment,” she tweeted, explaining her clipboard incident. “But what happened after? Unacceptable. I’m human, not a punching bag.” Her candid response resonated with many supporters, who condemned the fans’ behavior as crossing a line from passionate rivalry to outright disrespect.
However, not all reactions were sympathetic. Some fans doubled down, accusing Reese of inviting criticism with her emotional displays. “She’s always acting out, what did she expect?” one X user posted, while another wrote, “Throwing popcorn is wrong, but Reese needs to control herself.” These comments reflect the polarized nature of Reese’s public persona, as her confidence and outspokenness often make her a target for both praise and criticism.
The WNBA’s Response and Broader Context
The WNBA issued a statement condemning the incident, emphasizing its commitment to player safety. “There is no place in our game for actions that disrespect or endanger our athletes,” the statement read. The league announced an investigation to identify the perpetrators, with potential bans and fines for those involved. The incident comes amid the WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” campaign, launched in response to increasing hostility toward players, including racial and sexist attacks, as seen in Reese’s earlier experiences during her rookie season.
Reese’s performance on the court, despite the loss, was notable. She recorded 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, extending her league-record streak of consecutive games with 15 or more rebounds to six. Yet, her stellar play was overshadowed by the incident, highlighting the intense scrutiny she faces as one of the WNBA’s brightest young stars.
Fan Discontent and Calls for Change
The popcorn-throwing incident has reignited debates about fan conduct in the WNBA, particularly as the league grows in popularity. Social media platforms like X have been flooded with reactions, with many fans expressing disgust at the treatment of Reese. “This is beyond embarrassing for our fanbase,” one supporter tweeted. “Angel doesn’t deserve this.” Others called for stricter arena policies, including enhanced security and zero-tolerance measures for disruptive behavior.
The incident also underscores the challenges Reese faces as a polarizing figure. Her history of high-profile moments, from her “you can’t see me” gesture in the 2023 NCAA championship to her recent ejection from an Unrivaled League game, has made her a lightning rod for criticism. Yet, her resilience shines through, as evidenced by her continued dominance on the court and her refusal to back down from detractors.
Moving Forward
As the Chicago Sky prepare to face the Dallas Wings in a rematch just 24 hours later, Reese remains focused on redemption. “We’re right there, and we’ll keep pushing,” she said post-game, expressing optimism despite the loss. The WNBA’s investigation into the incident is ongoing, with calls for accountability growing louder. For Reese, this moment is a stark reminder of the highs and lows of stardom, but her supporters are rallying behind her, determined to see her rise above the hate.
The popcorn-throwing incident is a low point for the WNBA, but it also presents an opportunity for the league to reinforce its commitment to protecting its players. As Angel Reese continues to carve out her legacy, this shocking episode will likely fuel her drive to silence her critics—both on and off the court. The basketball world watches closely as she prepares to respond in the only way she knows how: with unrelenting heart and hustle.
