Angela Reese (ESPN/YouTube - screenshot by Julie Miller).
I’ve always been sensitive to Angel Reese because it feels as though she is overlooked when it comes to her talent and overfocused when it comes to her shortcomings. Black women face the realities of sexism and racism day in and day out, and Reese experiences adversity in the world and in the WNBA that Caitlin Clark and other white women will never understand. That being said, Angel, your jealousy is showing too strongly to ignore.
Angel Reese Drops Ridiculous Quote
Reese has gotten a moment of the limelight for her outlandish statement. In a post-game interview, Angel dropped this quote: “I’ll look back in 20 years and be like the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that.”
It could be a generational difference because Angel is a baby, but when I was her age, you would at least try to not sound petty and jealous when you hated on someone. You would find another reason to make fun of someone that you envy. Saying you’re jealous and immature with your full chest is new and a terrible look.
A Moment of Honesty
Let’s be real for a hot second. Very few people cared about the WNBA before Caitlin Clark. No one new would care about the WNBA because Angel Reese is playing in it. The league’s popularity is literally about one singular person, Reese. And it isn’t you.
Also, if you have to tell people that you’re popular or a sports icon, you’ve already lost the battle. If the WNBA was not just about one person, we would know that without your ridiculous statement. You don’t have to make people “realize” the truth because they already know it.
Is it fair that Caitlin Clark is the focus of everyone’s attention every single week? Not at all. It would be frustrating to know that you practice day in and day out and play your heart out, and you are still not the WNBA’s sweetheart. It’s the reality of the situation, but it frankly isn’t fair. Find a way to channel that energy positively (not like this) and appreciate the increased attention to your sport that will benefit you financially and otherwise.
Caitlin Clark In The Crosshairs
Last week, Clark really got caught in the jealousy crosshairs during the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game on Saturday.
The first incident was at the hands of Reese’s teammate, Chennedy Carter. The jealous Chicago Sky player hip-checked or shoulder-checked Caitlin Clark to the ground, depending on who you ask. Angel Reese cheered on Carter and then later knocked Clark to the ground as well in a controversial non-call.
For more information on the Caitlin Clark beat-down last week and other hot goss in the sports world, watch the latest edition of The Tailgate Update podcast here. For another woman in the basketball world who cannot stay out of the news for all the wrong reasons, read all about Scottie Pippen’s ex, Larsa Pippen, here.
