Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers are the 2023 National Champions in Women’s basketball. And while history was made – the most points ever scored in the title game after defeating Iowa 102-85 – nothing but controversy has come since their victory.
Earlier in the tournament, Iowa star and Naismith Player of the Year Caitlin Clark made a gesture toward another player, waving her hand in her face as if to say, “Can’t see me.”
Throwing back the trash talk, LSU standout Angel Reese did the same gesture back to Clark as victory set in with the Tigers up so much with less than a minute left in the game.
The internet erupted with comments about Reese – a Black woman — and how unnecessary it was for her to do the hand gesture and “ring me.” Internet trolls and even media platforms had nothing but negative comments to say about Reese, yet they did not have the same energy when Clark – a White woman—did the trash-talking.
One was described as “classless,” while one was praised for showing emotion.
“All year I was critiqued about who I was. … I don’t fit the narrative, expressed Reese. “I don’t fit in a box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto. Y’all told me that all year. But when other people do it, y’all say nothing,” Reese said.
All season, both players have circulated social media with their various ways of trash-talking. It’s part of the game, and while some fans don’t like it, they don’t get to dictate what players say on the court, let alone which ones are acceptable and which aren’t.
Angel Reese doubles down
Angel Reese appeared on ESPN discussing the viral moments and why she did the trash-talking when she did.
“So this was for the girls that look like me, that’s going to speak up on what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you,” she continued after the game. “That’s what I did it for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. It was bigger than me.
Twitter is going to go on a rage every time, and I’m happy. I feel like I’ve helped grow women’s basketball this year. I’m super happy and excited. So I’m looking forward to celebrating in the next season.”
Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to blatantly come down on one player and not the other needs to be stopped. Clark even opened up on TV about the moment and shared that the name-calling disrespect Reese received wasn’t warranted at all – it’s trash-talking that is a part of the game.
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” Clark stated. “No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk.
It’s not just me and Angel. I don’t think she should be criticized like I said. LSU deserves it. They played so well. Like I said, I’m a big fan of hers.”
She continued to express that trash-talking helps pull in fans.
“I think men have always had trash talk. I think that’s what it’s always been. I think more and more people, as they turn on the game, are appreciating it for what it is. I’m just lucky enough that I get to play this game and have emotion and wear it on my sleeves.
So does everybody else. That should never be torn down. That should never be criticized because I believe that’s what makes this game so fun. That’s what draws people to this game. That’s what draws it to the pro level, to the college level, to the high school level.”
Both players will be back next season for their respective teams and are sure to continue the trash talk. Don’t let it distract you from the hard work both young ladies have put in to produce the product they provide on the court with their entertainment and skill set.
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