Angel Reese addresses speculation about there being a feud between her and Caitlin Clark
Angel Reese set the record straight regarding rumors of a rivalry between her and fellow WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Reese, who currently plays for the Chicago Sky, used the platform to reflect on the viral 2023 NCAA championship game between her LSU Tigers and Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes, and the subsequent fan-driven narrative that there is animosity between the two.
Reese first gained national attention in that game after leading LSU to a decisive 102-85 victory over Iowa. During the game, Reese famously taunted Clark by pointing to her ring finger, symbolizing the championship ring she would receive for her team’s victory. The gesture quickly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism from fans and media alike. While some saw it as a confident celebration, others, particularly Iowa fans, accused Reese of poor sportsmanship. The incident only fueled the public's perception that the two athletes had an intense rivalry.
On her podcast, released on September 5, 2024, Reese reflected on the lasting impact of that moment. "I think just being able to be in that moment of it happening, you never realized how something can really change your life," she said. "And knowing my five fingers and my other finger pointing at my hand could literally have changed my life for, like, forever is crazy." Despite the attention the gesture received, Reese made it clear that there has never been any real animosity between her and Clark.
Reese went on to praise Clark’s abilities on the court, calling her an “amazing player.” She revealed that their competitive history dates back to their time playing AAU basketball in high school, where they often faced off against each other. Despite this long-standing competition, Reese emphasized that there has never been "beef" between the two of them. “We’ve talked trash to each other at AAU, like that. It’s been that,” Reese explained, noting that the tension some people perceive between them is largely a product of fan speculation.
In particular, Reese pointed to Clark’s passionate fanbase, which includes fans from Iowa and now Indiana, where Clark plays for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. While Reese respects their loyalty, she expressed frustration with the racialized commentary that has emerged around their perceived rivalry. “I think it’s really just the fans, her fans, the Iowa fans, (and) now the Indiana fans that are, like, they ride for her. And I respect that respectfully. But sometimes it’s very disrespectful. I think there’s a lot of racism when it comes to it,” Reese said. She clarified that she does not believe Clark harbors any ill feelings toward her, nor does she hold any resentment toward Clark.
“I don’t believe in her heart that she has hatred towards me, and I’m sure she believes that I don’t have hatred towards her,” Reese shared. However, she revealed that some of Clark’s fans have taken their passion to extremes, sending her death threats and going so far as to follow her to her home. "Basketball is literally a game," Reese said. "We have so much fun with it. But when it comes to death threats, when it comes to people finding — like I’m talking about people have come down to my address, followed me home, like, it’s come down to that.”
The 2024 WNBA rookie also spoke about the disturbing sexualization she has faced, revealing that people have created AI-generated images of her in explicit scenarios. These fake images have been sent not only to Reese but also to her family members. “It sucks to see that, and it’s really hard that I have to go through that, and now seeing other players even having to go through that,” she said. The harassment Reese faces, she explained, has made her more aware of how much athletes, especially women, are subjected to both racial and gender-based abuse.
Despite these challenges, Reese remains focused on her basketball career and is determined to rise above the negativity. She expressed optimism about the future, even suggesting that she and Clark could one day play on the same team, possibly for Team USA in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Reese's co-host, Maya Reese, echoed that sentiment, noting that both players’ talents could make them key members of Team USA in the future.
In fact, fans got a glimpse of their potential partnership during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend when Reese and Clark were on the same team. Clark assisted Reese on a layup, showcasing their on-court chemistry and sparking cheers from the audience. This moment served as a reminder that, despite the heated narrative surrounding their rivalry, the two athletes share a mutual respect and can work together when necessary.
Reese ended the discussion by reiterating that there is no animosity between her and Clark, emphasizing that both of them are simply passionate competitors. "No hate. We’re going to play on the same team one day, I’m sure," she said confidently, putting an end to the rumors of a feud once and for all.
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