Angel Reese's Trail of Taunts and Headlines
A look back at the WNBA star's history of bold statements and on-court clashes.
Angel Reese has carved a path through professional basketball marked by aggressive play, outspoken commentary, and a willingness to embrace a "bad guy" role. From her college days at LSU to her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky and now the Atlanta Dream, Reese has consistently generated headlines for her on-court demeanor and post-game remarks.
College Championship Taunts
Much of the national attention on Reese intensified during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. After LSU defeated Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes, Reese made a "you can't see me" gesture and pointed to her ring finger, mirroring a celebration Clark had used earlier in the tournament. The move sparked debate about sportsmanship, with Reese defending her actions by stating, "I don’t fit in a box that y’all want me to be in." Clark herself defended Reese, stating that trash talk is part of competition.
White House Invitation Controversy
Following LSU's championship win, then-first lady Jill Biden suggested that the runner-up Iowa team should also be invited to the White House. Reese publicly criticized the suggestion, posting "A JOKE" on Twitter. She later clarified her stance, stating that while she accepted the eventual invitation for LSU, she felt the initial suggestion was inappropriate. The situation was later diffused when Reese attended the White House celebration and presented Jill Biden with a jersey.
On-Court Clashes and Comments
Reese’s playing style has frequently led to on-court confrontations and subsequent commentary. During her final SEC championship game in March 2024, a physical game against undefeated South Carolina saw scuffles between players. Reese was not ejected but later stated, "We’re not scared of South Carolina."
As a rookie in the WNBA, Reese's interactions with Caitlin Clark continued to draw attention. In May 2024, a hard foul by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on Clark led to fines and criticism. Reese later addressed the growing spotlight on the WNBA, stating, "It’s because of me, too, and I want y’all to realize that," asserting that multiple players contributed to the league's popularity.
Later that season, in June 2024, Reese was involved in another incident with Clark. After being fouled, Reese received a flagrant 1 for striking Clark. Reese defended her play, stating, "I can’t control the refs," and suggesting some players received "a special whistle."
Public Criticisms and Ejections
Reese has not shied away from publicly critiquing officiating and even her own team. In July 2025, she expressed frustration with the number of free throws Chicago received, calling it "disrespectful" and stating, "I don’t give a damn if I get fined."
In September 2025, Reese's comments to the Chicago Tribune questioning the team's roster and veteran leadership, particularly regarding guard Courtney Vandersloot, led to a one-game suspension. She later apologized to her teammates.
Reese also faced an ejection in the Unrivaled League in February 2025 after receiving two technical fouls, a moment she acknowledged on social media by noting she had to be the "first" to achieve such a milestone.
Playoff Push and Finals Confrontations
As her career progressed, Reese continued to engage in on-court banter and physical play. In a June 2026 game against former teammate Isabelle Harrison, a flagrant 2 foul led to Harrison's ejection. Reese also drew a technical for taunting in a playoff game against Washington in September 2026, before waving the Mystics goodbye after Atlanta's series sweep.
In the WNBA Finals in October 2026, Reese brought her "too small" taunt to the series against Golden State. She stated her intention to "take their confidence and just try to do whatever to mess them up." The series culminated in the WNBA's first-ever Game 7.