The intense rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has drawn comparisons to legendary sports battles from Magic Johnson. On March 7, 2025, during the podcast "Unapologetically Angel," WNBA athletes Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington were open about their frustrations with the criticism they face from newer WNBA fans, many of whom have seemingly come to support the league due to Clark's rising stardom.
The contentious relationship between Reese and Clark started during the 2023 NCAA women's basketball championship game when Reese, who played for LSU, pointed at her finger, mockingly signaling her victory over Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes. This playful taunt didn’t sit well with all fans—especially after Reese and her Chicago Sky teammates were accused of committing several controversial fouls against Clark during the 2024 WNBA season.
Reflecting on their experiences, Reese shared, "It's hard, especially as two black women who are unapologetic; we're going to pop our s--- and say what we have to say. And I stand on what we said. I feel like it's really hard." This candid moment underscored how the pair perceive the backlash they receive not just as fans being vocal from behind screens, but as real-life interactions.
Carrington also voiced her concerns, stating, "They be real loose at the mouth," highlighting how the critics are often not just nameless trolls but real people they encounter. This reality of vocal dissent is troubling for both athletes, but what bothers them most are comments about their appearance.
Reese, addressing critics who claim she's focused too much on her looks, said, "I hate when people say, 'Oh she’s too worried about her makeup and her hair and her lashes and her nails and her outfits.'" Carrington echoed her sentiments, mentioning her own frustrations with the commentary surrounding her blonde hair. "I hate when people talk about why I have blonde hair," she said, explaining her indifference to her natural look. "I got black eyebrows. I got black arm hair, black leg hair ... and I don't care. I'm still a natural blonde" she added, defying the stereotypes often thrown at her.
Reese went on to touch upon the contradictions within fan perceptions, explaining how some critics label WNBA players as too masculine. "They complain and say WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough. They don't want to watch a bunch of little boys running around the court. Now, we're too much," she expressed, articulately voicing her frustration with societal expectations. Her comments revealed the complexity of how female athletes are often seen, fighting back against the stereotype of being overly masculine or criticized for their femininity.
Still, Reese couldn’t resist adding humor as she remarked about her makeup routine. "I don't be getting it, like d--- I can't put a little lip gloss on?" Her laughter underscored the silly nature of some criticisms, particularly among fans who wear various hats as spectators, thoughtful observers, and detractors.
Further adding to the discourse around appearances, she categorized her peers by urban slang, referring to several WNBA players as "baddies," which is used to describe individuals who are stylish and confident. Notably, Clark was pointedly absent from Reese's list, though neither player mentioned her directly throughout the episode.
The broader conversation highlights how the dynamics of gender and race intersect within this competitive environment. Reese and Carrington addressed the dangers of facing rigid fan expectations as professional athletes trying to navigate their identities. Despite their light-heartedness, this issue runs deep within the league.
While discussions around Clark, Reese, and Carrington tend to be swayed by their criticisms of one another, they reveal the multifaceted challenges women face, often battling both judgment and assumptions about their athletic capabilities, femininity, and personal choices.
With criticisms layered within complex social dynamics, it makes for intense analysis and conversations around the sport as the women's game garners increasing attention. The future of WNBA fans may hinge on their ability to embrace the individuality within the sport rather than solely idolizing figures such as Clark, whose identity has taken such precedence.