Angel Reese, the star forward from Chicago and one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball, has once again become the center of controversy. This time, it’s not just her performance on the court, but the relentless criticism she’s received—both for her style of play and, shockingly, the color of her skin. And Reese isn’t having it.
In a bold and unapologetic response, the WNBA rookie took to social media and public interviews to call out what she described as a “double standard” that follows her everywhere. “Stop incorporating things,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “You don’t like the way I play?” Her statement came after a wave of negative comments following the final Sky Game, where Reese had a stellar performance but still became the target of online hate.
Critics claimed her physical style of play was “too aggressive,” while others suggested she was “unsportsmanlike.” But as Reese pointed out, these same traits are often praised when displayed by other athletes—especially those who don’t look like her. “I play with passion. I talk my talk. I back it up. But because I’m a confident Black woman, it’s considered an attitude,” she said in a post-match interview. “I’m tired of having to shrink myself just to be accepted.”
The situation escalated when screenshots surfaced of comments targeting not only Reese’s game, but also her appearance. Social media trolls made derogatory statements about her skin tone and called her “intimidating.” Fans and fellow athletes rallied behind her, using the hashtag #protectblackwomen and praising her for standing up to hate.
Reese, known as “Bayou Barbie,” has never shied away from confrontation when it comes to defending her identity and her right to be her authentic self. From her NCAA championship days with LSU to her first season in the WNBA, she has consistently expressed the pressure placed on Black female athletes—to be talented yet humble, strong yet calm, competitive yet likable.
“I’m not going to dim my light just because some people can’t handle it,” Reese said during a recent media appearance. “I’m here to dominate, and I’m going to continue to be me – on and off the court.”
Her team, the Chicago Sky, released a brief statement in support of Reese, emphasizing the organization’s stance against racism and gender discrimination. Meanwhile, sports analysts are divided: some argue she needs to “tone it down” for the sake of her image, while others applaud her for bringing critical conversations into the spotlight.
One thing is clear – Angel Reese isn’t backing down. Love her or hate her, she makes sure her voice is heard loud and clear. And in today’s sports world, that might be the kind of fire the game needs.
