Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has come under fire on social media for allegedly cheering on a hard hip-check by her teammate Chennedy Carter on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has become the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism on social media following an incident during Saturday's 71-70 loss to the Indiana Fever. Reese's alleged actions have raised questions about her conduct and have sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts alike.
The controversy stems from a third-quarter play in which Carter delivered a hard hip-check to Clark. As the whistle blew, ESPN cameras captured Reese getting up off the bench and appearing to cheer on Carter's aggressive play. She was also the first to greet Carter as the quarter ended, further fueling speculation that she condoned the alleged cheap shot.
Later in the game, Reese knocked Clark down to the floor while trying to block out. Clark got up and immediately looked to the WNBA referee for a foul call, but none was given. This incident further ignited the social media storm, with many accusing Reese of unsportsmanlike conduct and questioning her ethics.
Reese's actions have drawn the ire of numerous fans and commentators, who have called her out for allegedly celebrating and encouraging violence on the court. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that she may be setting a dangerous precedent for future players.
Carter, for her part, declined to answer any questions about Clark after the game, while Clark expressed her disappointment with the officiating but maintained her composure and refused to retaliate.
Indiana's victory marked its first in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, a mid-season tournament in which teams compete for a $500,000 prize. All games are played during a two-week period from June 1 to June 13.
Amidst the controversy, it remains to be seen how Reese's alleged actions will impact her standing with the Sky and in the WNBA as a whole. The incident has once again highlighted the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in professional basketball and has raised questions about the boundaries that players should adhere to on and off the court.
