Angel Reese explains why she will continue to be the WNBA's 'bad guy' as she opens up on Caitlin Clark rivalry and Chenn

[RandySF]

Angel Reese has explained why she will continue to be the WNBA's 'bad guy' as she opens up on her rivalry with Caitlin Clark and that Chennedy Carter bodycheck on the Indiana Fever star.

Speaking ahead of the Chicago Sky's game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, and barely 24 hours after the WNBA upgraded Carter's foul on Clark to a flagrant-one violation, Reese believes people hold a grudge against her since her college days at LSU, where she became an NCAA Champion in 2023 at Clark's expense.

The Tigers defeated Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes, 102-85, in the title game that year.

'It all started from the National Championship game. I've been dealing this with two years now,' Reese, 22, said of her unpopularity with fans, compared to Clark's. 'And understanding that, yeah, negative things have probably been said about me but honestly, I'll take that.

'Because look where women's basketball is. People are talking about women's basketball that you never would think would be.'


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/wnba/article-13491083/angel-reese-talks-caitlin-clark-rivalry-chennedy-carter-foul-wnba.html

[DURHAM D]

1. Not buying it.

I am a Clark fan and also a Reese fan. I never once held bad thoughts about Reese because LSU beat Iowa.
That is a stupid excuse.

[slumcamper]

5. Both excellent players, excellent teams. Is the big WNBA money on $$$ rivalry $$$?

I'm really not that into this drama. If this crap is where it's headed, I'd rather pay to watch roller derby.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

10. It's weird that she wants to be the bad girl of basketball

but then complains that people don't like her. Like, THAT'S the persona you developed.

I like her. I love that everyone wants beef between her and CC, but all Angel or CC ever do is talk about how great the other one is.

[slumcamper]

2. Okay, yeah, right, but what's up with playing villain, huh? You gettin' paid to do that? n/t

[Silent Type]

3. They'll settle down in time. Clark will likely improve pay for league, but I can understand some rivalries, even

a little hostility.

In any event, I’ve enjoyed watching the women games the last year.

[slumcamper]

6. WNBA is definitely making waves!!!

Your succinct analysis nailed it. Rivalries are part of the drama, I guess, men or women, any sport.

While certain incidents may be off-putting, on balance (to paraphrase) the arc of justice bends toward greater gender parity in professional sports. Still, far to go.

[Silent Type]

8. I was shocked when I read how low WNBA salaries are. But when they start filling large arenas,

it will take off.

[Skittles]

4. people take sports way too seriously

[slumcamper]

9. Now there's a thought...

I agree....but with the caveat that, viewed objectively (and that is an important aspect), sports is a window of sorts--or perhaps a prism (reflection??) that reveals dominant sociocultural realities at any given point in time.

Think NASCAR, "Let's Go Brandon" ~ "Fuck Joe Biden"---sports influences and shapes our culture, and that includes our political culture.

I agree with your point--to a point. But when I think more deeply about it relative to cultural phenomenon, it falls apart. But I've been accused of seeing things where nothing exists. So don't be mad.

[stopdiggin]

7. AND - there's also a certain amount of 'creating a buzz'

going on with the players - the sport - the league ...
Can't blame them, that's just the world we live in. (although, personally, yes, I do find it a bit sad)

But - - somebody gets a 1000 fine - and generates 60,000 hits on youtube and facebook ...
Good for business.

[DinahMoeHum]

11. Hoping to see both Reese and Clark

on Team USA during the 2028 Olympics in LA.