Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese stated she is willing to “take the bad guy role” in her rivalry with Caitlin Clark, viewing it as beneficial for the growth of women’s basketball.
This marked Reese’s first interaction with the press since a notably intense match against Clark and the Indiana Fever last Saturday, which has fueled ongoing discussions. During the third quarter, amid a fiery exchange, Reese’s teammate Chennedy Carter knocked Clark down during a break, leading to a flagrant foul charge against Carter.
Reese, observed clapping and embracing Carter post-incident, faced a fine for her refusal to engage with media post-game. Previously criticized for taunting Clark after Reese’s LSU team triumphed over Clark’s University of Iowa at the 2023 NCAA championship, Reese continues to be a polarizing figure, albeit defended by Clark for her conduct.
Reese Embraces “Villain” Role in Women’s Basketball
In her first public remarks since the widely discussed NCAA championship, Reese firmly embraced her controversial role in the longstanding rivalry with Clark. The No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, Reese addressed the media on Monday, highlighting the unprecedented attention and success women’s basketball has garnered recently. “Look where women’s basketball is. People who you never would think would discuss women’s basketball are now engaged,” Reese noted. She referenced the celebrities attending games, sold-out arenas, and the overall excitement stemming from the 2023 NCAA championship game. Unapologetically, she added, “I’ll take that role. I’ll be the bad guy for my teammates.” Looking forward, Reese expressed pride in her contributions: “In 20 years, when we reflect on why women’s basketball captivates so many, remember—it’s not just because of one person; it’s also because of me. I want everyone to recognize that.”
WNBA’s Rising Popularity Amidst Intense Competition
“It’s not just because of one person. A lot of us have contributed significantly to this game. While Chennedy has had prior experience, the league boasts numerous outstanding players who have long deserved recognition, and fortunately, it’s happening now.”
The arrival of Clark, Reese, and the rest of the highly-touted 2024 WNBA rookie class has ushered in record-breaking viewership and boosted the league’s popularity, a league that has historically struggled to secure a stable position in the US sports landscape.
During a media interaction on Monday, Carter expressed having “no regrets” about the incidents in the team’s narrow 71-70 defeat against the Fever. “I’m committed to competing and giving my all regardless of the opponent,” Carter stated. “We’ve endured several challenges in the past 24 to 48 hours. I’m here smiling. I have no complaints. Outside the court, it’s all love, but inside those four lines, we don’t hold back. Afterwards, we share respect.”
Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon responded to Monday’s events, stating, “Carter’s actions were not appropriate, nor do they represent our values or who we are as a team.”
The teams are slated to face each other three more times this season.
