WNBA fans are convinced that veterans in the league are hating on Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and the rest of the 2024 Draft Class. This stunning accusation comes after Reese was choke-slammed by Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas during their Saturday game.

Late in the third quarter of the Sky-Sun contest, Reese and Thomas were positioning for a rebound. But when Reese jumped for the ball, Thomas grabbed her by the neck and yanked her to the floor–back first, with Reese’s head also seemingly hitting the ground.

The incident sparked outrage among Sky fans, with many calling for Thomas to be punished for the dangerous action. The Sun star was actually ejected from the game after being assessed with a Flagrant 2 foul.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) warms up prior to the game against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) warms up prior to the game against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Many others, however, couldn’t help but point out how WNBA vets are being rough on the current WNBA rookies and seemingly targeting them.

For those not in the know, Reese is not the first rookie to be hurt by a veteran in the league. At the start of the season when the Indiana Fever faced the New York Liberty, Clark also went viral after she was decked by Breanna Stewart on a screen.

The Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese incidents have several fans convinced that the vets are purposely being extra physical on these rooks.

“The way the vets been hating on this class is craaazy. We get it, it’s an introduction to the W but, let’s not forget this class has brought more money, viewership, and talent to the W this year. We ain’t saying don’t compete vets but there’s an obvious jealousy going on,” a commenter wrote.

“Clark isn’t the only one who’s getting dogged out so far in the season,” another WNBA viewer said.

A critic warned, “Keep trying to hurt your new young stars like Angel Reese or CC and you guys will be back on a bus or spirit airlines.”

“They hating on the young players just drafted,” a fourth social media user shared.

“They treating this rookie class like s**t ..my goodness,” a shocked WNBA fan noted.

Both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have played down the fouls committed against them. It’s part of the game, and they both expected it in a league and sport that is really competitive.

However, considering that they are already taking such dangerous hits early in the campaign, it’s hard to blame fans for being concerned.

Perhaps the increased attention in the league brought by Reese, Clark and the other rookies have made such incidents a bigger issue compared to before, but that is also something the WNBA vets have to deal with as the league continues to grow and get more eyeballs.