Angel Reese recently made her podcast debut where she discussed her rivalry with Caitlin Clark and the intense scrutiny and harassment she has faced from Clark’s fans. Reese reflected on the moment when she pointed to her ring finger in Clark’s face during LSU’s NCAA championship win over Iowa in 2023, which she said changed her life forever. Since then, Reese has faced death threats, harassment online, and even instances of people showing up at her home. She also revealed that fans have sent AI-generated images of her naked to her family members, making the experience even more traumatic.
The rivalry between Reese and Clark has led to controversial moments both on and off the court. After the moment in the championship game, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy reposted a video of Reese with a caption calling her a “classless piece of s—,” garnering millions of views. Reese’s teammates, Diamond DeShields and Chennedy Carter, have also faced scrutiny and harassment from fans for hard fouls on Clark during games. DeShields, who had a tumor surgically removed in 2020, received hate comments referencing her health struggles. Carter, who committed a controversial foul on Clark, responded to criticism on social media with a defiant post, indicating that she was not affected by the backlash.
Reese’s candid revelations about the treatment she has received from Clark’s fans have shed light on the darker side of sports rivalries and fandom. Following LSU’s loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, Reese openly wept in a press conference as she shared the extent of the harassment and threats she has faced since winning the national championship. Reese expressed how she has been attacked, sexualized, and threatened, but continues to stand strong for her teammates despite the toll it has taken on her mental health. She emphasized that she is still human and struggles with the aftermath of the championship win, which has been marred by harassment and abuse.
The intensity of the rivalry between Reese and Clark has also brought to light issues of racism and misogyny in sports fandom. Reese mentioned that while she respects the passion of Clark’s fans, she has also experienced racism and disrespect from them. The targeting of Reese and her teammates, including the creation of explicit images and threats, points to a disturbing trend of harassment and abuse in online communities. The toxic behavior of fans towards athletes, particularly women, highlights the need for greater accountability and support for those who face such attacks.
While Reese has been vocal about her experiences with harassment, the broader conversation about the treatment of female athletes and the impact of toxic fandom on mental health remains ongoing. The incidents involving Reese, Clark, and their fans serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in sports, both on and off the court. As the conversation around online abuse and harassment continues to evolve, athletes like Reese are leading the charge in raising awareness about the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals in the sports community. It is time for a collective effort to address these issues and ensure that athletes can compete without fear of harassment or harm.
