Angel Reese is making clear what she believes her impact on the WNBA has been by talking about taking on the role of “villain” in the sport.
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Angel Reese gets candid about her impact and role as “thug” in the WNBA
According to WGN-TVReese spoke to reporters on Monday, June 3. During her appearance, the 22-year-old addressed the “negative things” that have been said about her in the media.
“It all started in the National Championship game, and I’ve been dealing with this for two years, and I understand, yes, negative things have probably been said about me, but honestly, I’m going to take it because I look at where women’s basketball is,” Reese said.
As Reese continued, the WNBA rookie shared her thoughts on her impact on women’s basketball. Furthermore, Reese declared that she will take on the role of “villain” in the sport. However, the 22-year-old made it clear that there is not just one star in the sport.
“People are talking about women’s basketball in ways you never would have thought would talk about women’s basketball,” she said. “People are showing up to games – celebrities are showing up to games, packed arenas, just because of one game. Just looking at this will make me take on that role. I will take on the role of villain and I will continue to assume that and be that for my companions… And I know that I will go down in history. I’m going to look back 20 years from now and think, ‘Yes, the reason we’re watching women’s basketball isn’t just because of one person, it’s because of me too,’ and I want all of you to realize that.”
According to the outlet, Reese also acknowledged that “many” “great” players “have done a lot for this game.”
“There are so many great players in this league who have deserved this for a long, long time. Fortunately, it’s coming now,” she concluded.
Social media weighs
Social media users reacted to Reese’s statements in Shade Room Comments Section.
Instagram user @skyboujee wrote, “Hate her or love her…she is 100% correct.”
While Instagram user @tonybaker added, “I know Clark because of Angel and that hand wave. I know them both because of that moment.”
Instagram user @andre_crouchjr wrote: “Angel Reese is not a bad guy haha I love Angel Reese! Anyone who doesn’t is stumbling!
While Instagram user @keim_israre added, “I don’t know, man… I love it when she pops 🤷🏾♂️… because people are hating and acting like she hasn’t already established a legend when it comes to women’s basketball.
Instagram user @ressssie wrote, “Protect Angel Reese at all costs!!!”
While Instagram user @diamonds_and_paris added, “Let’s be clear!!! When Angel blocked that play with a shoe on…that’s when the spectator volume increased for women’s basketball in general…make no mistake, CC is a great player, but she’s definitely not the only reason women’s basketball feminine is getting attention… Angel definitely contributed to the change!!! She brings the competitive edge and excitement of the WNBA mind.”
Instagram user @hopezuri wrote, “She’s not lying. I didn’t know about either of them until the fight on the court.”
Although Instagram user @mzbritt__ added, “When Angel waved her hand in CC’s face, that’s when everyone tuned in. Before that, more than half of these people didn’t know who any of these girls were because they weren’t watching women’s college basketball. The media blew up the drama and you all tuned in.”
A Brief Recap of Angel Reese’s Path to the WNBA
As The Shadow Room Previously reported, Angel Reese initially made headlines in April 2023. At the time, his former college team, the Louisiana State Tigers, faced the Iowa Hawkeyes in an NAACP title game.
Additionally, Reese went viral after making John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture to opposite player Caitlin Clark. To note, Clark also used hand gesture in previous games compared to other players.
Despite both players using the gesture, Reese received widespread criticism, which he responded to after the Tigers’ victory.
“The narrative – I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit into the box you want me to be in. ‘I am very poor. I’m very ghetto. You’ve been telling me this all year. But when other people do that, you don’t say anything,” she explained.
“I don’t fit into the box that you guys want me to be in. I’m too poor, I’m too ghetto, you’ve told me that all year. When other people do that, you don’t say anything. This was for people who look like with me. – Angel Reese ❤️👑
– WSLAM (@wslam) April 3, 2023
According to New York Post OfficeReese and Clark’s “rivalry” appears to have continued from their college careers to their recent call-up to the WNBA.
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In April, Reese was called up to the Chicago Sky team, while Clark joined the Indiana Fever. Since then, the duo has continued to make headlines with their entry into the WNBA. More recently, Clark made headlines after claiming that she was “getting beat up” on the court and that “everyone” was being “physical” with her, for example. The Shadow Room.
Shortly after, Reese’s Chicago Sky teammate Chennedy Carter slapped Clark for a hard foul on her during a recent game.
During the postgame press conference, Charter reacted to the incident by saying he did not want to talk about Clark.
Meanwhile, Reese was criticized for not being present at the meeting and was fined $1,000, while her team was hit with a $5,000 violation.
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