Did Angel Reese Hint That She's Jealous Of Caitlin Clark? Sky Rookie Wants Credit For WNBA Popularity
Angel Reese wants people to realize her role in the rise of women's basketball's popularity in recent years, suggesting that it's not all about Caitlin Clark.
Reese spoke with reporters after the Chicago Sky's practice on Monday, indirectly addressing their controversial game against Clark's Indiana Fever over the weekend.
"It's not just because of one person. It's because of me too and I want you to realize that," said Reese about the WNBA's increased following.
"It's not just because of one person," she repeated, seemingly hinting at Clark's popularity.
Talks about jealousy and bad blood toward Clark have been a hot topic in the league since the 2024 WNBA season began in May. The former Iowa Hawkeyes standout has also been the target of controversy even before her first professional game, and now it seems to be dragging on throughout the season.
During the teams' first match up over the weekend, Sky's defense on the first overall pick was the focus after several shots were thrown at Clark, including what seemed to be an elbow by Reese and a flagrant foul by Chennedy Carter.
Reese's reaction to Carter's foul that threw her college rival to the ground also drew the ire of fans on social media.
However, the seventh overall pick said she's ready to take on the "bad guy" role if that would mean more eyes on the sport.
"I'll take that [role] because look where women's basketball is. People are talking about women's basketball that you would never think would talk about women's basketball," the former LSU standout added.
"I know I'll go down in history. I'll go back in 20 years and be like, the reason we're watching women's basketball is not because of just one person."
The 22-year-old reiterated that other WNBA players have done "so much for this game" and they also deserve the limelight.
"A lot of us have done so much for this game ... there are so many great players in this league that have deserved this for a really, really long time and luckily, it's coming now."
Fans of the league had mixed reactions to Reese's statements and the controversial Sunday night game. However, most slammed the cheap shots thrown at the two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
"Dear gosh these WNBA veterans remain bitter at the reason why they will all get paid more and get private planes this season," one user said on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user wrote, "No one would know who Angel Reese is if it wasn't for Caitlin Clark."
"This woman is so so jealous of Caitlin Clark," wrote one more user.
Former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III also called out the hate towards Clark.
"Okay, this IS HATING on Caitlin Clark," he posted.
However, other users defended the 2023 NCAA champion.
"Angel Reese you the bestest!!!! You remind me of a female version of Dennis Rodman!" one supporter posted on X.
"Angel Reese had over a million more followers than Caitlyn Clark, but y'all praise CC like she's a savior, lol," wrote another.
The Indiana Fever (2-9) will face the Washington Mystics (0-8) on Friday, while the Chicago Sky (3-4) will face off against the New York Liberty (7-2) on Tuesday.
