Angel Reese recently opened up about her rivalry with Caitlin Clark on her new podcast, highlighting the heightened interest in the WNBA since both players were drafted this year. Reese plays for the Chicago Sky, while Clark was the first overall pick for the Indiana Fever, continuing a fierce competition that began in college with Reese at LSU and Clark at Iowa.
Reese praised Clark’s talent, stating, “Caitlin is an amazing player, and I’ve always thought she is an amazing player.” She noted their long history of competing against each other since high school, acknowledging the passionate support from Clark’s fans.
However, Reese also expressed concern about some of that support, saying, “Sometimes it is very disrespectful. I think there is a lot of racism when it comes to it, and I don’t believe she stands for any of that.” This candid discussion sheds light on the complexities of their rivalry and the impact of fan behavior on the players’ experiences.
Angel Reese accuses Caitlin Clark fans of being RACIST – and claims they sent her family nude AI pictures of her
Angel Reese on her relationship with Caitlin Clark ��Watch full episode here: https://t.co/PRkTaOQ3PO pic.twitter.com/VXGafURpvk
— Unapologetically Angel (@angelreeseshow) September 5, 2024
The Chicago Sky player said fans have followed her home outside of basketball and targeted her by creating nude pictures through AI and sending them to her family.
Reese continued: ‘But when it comes to death threats – I’m talking about people coming down to my address, follow me home – it has come down to that.
‘Multiple occasions people have made AI pictures of me like naked, literally. They have sent them to my family members. Uncles have sent them to me like “are you naked on Instagram?”.
‘It sucks to see that, it is really hard that I have to go through that and see other players that have to go through that.
‘But like at the end of the day it is a game that we both love but there is no hate.’
Reese and Clark played out some gripping encounters in the WNBA this season but there have been numerous controversies throughout.
Reese’s teammate Chennedy Carter shoved Clark to the ground off the ball, appearing to yell ‘yo b****’ before shoulder-charging her from behind. Reese was off the court at the time but leapt up and cheered the challenge.
In June, Reese got called for a flagrant foul as she tried to swipe the ball away from Clark but instead made contact with her head.
After the game, Angel Reese remarked, “I guess some people got a special whistle,” highlighting the ongoing tension between the two players. Despite this, Clark has consistently downplayed the idea of a rivalry, stating, “I’m pretty sure that the only people who view this as a rivalry is all of you.”
In a media session in June, she clarified, “For us, it’s just a game of basketball. That’s what it is. If it’s going to help move the game forward, then absolutely (she’s a rival). That’s amazing. That’s what it should be. People can talk about it.”
Currently, the Indiana Fever have already secured a spot in the WNBA playoffs, while Reese and the Chicago Sky are still facing challenges. The Sky have struggled recently, suffering seven consecutive losses, but they are set to face the Los Angeles Sparks, who are at the bottom of the standings, in their next matchup. This rivalry, fueled by competitive spirit and fan engagement, continues to evolve as both players navigate their respective seasons.
