In a candid moment on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” Angel Reese shared a painful experience with a fan after she failed to sign an autograph. The incident occurred following a thrilling rookie season for both Reese and Caitlin Clark, who have emerged as standout players in the WNBA, representing the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, respectively.
After helping the Fever secure their first playoff berth since 2016, Clark recently claimed the coveted Rookie of the Year award, edging out Reese in a fiercely competitive race. During the podcast episode, Reese, alongside special guest GloRilla, discussed their most outrageous fan encounters. It was then that Reese revealed the hurtful remark directed at her: “That white girl is better than you.”
Despite the rivalry, Reese expressed a desire to one day play alongside Clark as teammates, highlighting the respect she holds for her fellow athlete. The exchange sheds light on the intense competition and fan dynamics within the WNBA, illustrating the pressures that come with being in the spotlight.
Angel Reese has recalled the brutal Caitlin Clark putdown she received from a WNBA fan
‘Sometimes I be busy, like I can’t sign everything,’ she told the American rapper. ‘One man was like, “That’s why you not Rookie of the Year. And that white girl is better than you.”
‘I’m like ok, you wanted me to sign your thing and now you don’t like me no more?’
Reese enjoyed an iconic rivalry with Clark down in the college ranks, infamously directing wrestler John Cena‘s ‘You Can’t See Me’ hand gesture at her adversary during the 2023 national championship final – a move the Iowa star had flashed at another player earlier in the tournament.
That 2023 NCAA Finals matchup, when Reese’s Tigers upset Clark’s Hawkeyes, remains one of the highest-rated games in the sport’s history. And their April 4 rematch in the Elite 8 ultimately topped that mark.
‘My life literally just changed from that game,’ the Chicago forward told The Wall Street Journal Magazine this week in a piece about herself and WNBA MVP A’Ja Wilson.
While they are still fierce competitors, Reese and Clark linked up on the court in this year’s WNBA All-Star Game.
Angel Reese recently expressed her enthusiasm for the possibility of teaming up with Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, following their intense rivalry that captivated fans throughout the season. The two athletes, who have been competing against each other since childhood, showcased their s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s on a grand stage when they joined forces to help defeat Team USA during the WNBA All-Star game, igniting a buzz across social media.
In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Reese reflected on their competitive dynamic, emphasizing the importance of normalizing rivalry and trash talk in women’s sports, just as it’s accepted in men’s athletics. “It’s just a full circle moment of how women are viewed when it comes to trash talking,” she stated. “We’re going to normalize that in women’s sports as well. It’s just super competitive.”
Reese acknowledged the impact both players have had on bringing fans to the league, recognizing their contributions to the growing popularity of women’s basketball. “I think we’re two great competitors,” she said. “I thought, we’re going to continue to do that, and one day, hopefully, we can be teammates.”
With a shared commitment to elevating women’s sports and a history of fierce competition, the potential partnership between Reese and Clark excites fans and promises to further enhance the WNBA’s visibility and appeal.
