Angel Reese Faces Backlash for Skipping Championship: Fans Say “She’s No Caitlin Clark”

Angel Reese, the charismatic LSU women’s basketball star who has been at the center of media attention for the past two years, is now under fire following her recent comments about a national championship she didn’t participate in.

The outspoken forward, often hailed as a generational talent, made headlines again this week—this time for all the wrong reasons.

Critics are calling out Reese for celebrating a title despite not playing in the championship game, igniting a social media firestorm that’s being amplified by comparisons to Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark.

A Bold Statement Sparks Outrage

In a now-viral interview, Angel Reese reflected on LSU’s historic 2023 NCAA championship win and suggested that her presence and leadership had been pivotal in building the program’s foundation for future success.

While her remarks may have seemed innocuous to some, they quickly became a source of controversy when she doubled down on social media, appearing to take credit for LSU’s progress even though she missed the 2024 tournament due to a personal leave of absence.

“I helped build this,” Reese tweeted on April 1, alongside a photo of LSU celebrating in the Sweet 16 round.

The tweet sparked immediate backlash, especially given that Reese had opted out of postseason play the previous year, citing “mental health and professional focus” as her reasons.

Critics argued that it was inappropriate for Reese to position herself as the face of a team accomplishment she wasn’t physically present for.

The issue escalated further when she appeared on a podcast and reiterated her sense of ownership over the team’s continued relevance.

“Whether I’m on the court or not, this program runs through me,” she said confidently. “I changed the game.”

Fans and Analysts Push Back

Reese’s comments didn’t sit well with basketball analysts and fans alike. Many accused her of undermining the hard work of her teammates who played through the NCAA Tournament without her.

Even more scathing was the repeated comparison to Caitlin Clark, who has become the face of women’s college basketball through her record-breaking performances and unwavering commitment to her team.

“You can’t compare Angel Reese to Caitlin Clark,” said former ESPN commentator Robin Mendoza.

“Clark shows up every game, leaves everything on the court, and doesn’t make it about her. That’s the difference.”

The phrase “She’s no Caitlin Clark” began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as fans pointed out that Clark has never missed a postseason game and consistently delivers clutch performances under pressure.

Caitlin Clark’s Rise in Contrast

As Reese navigates this controversy, Caitlin Clark continues to rise in the public eye.

The Iowa guard recently broke the all-time NCAA scoring record, male or female, and led her team to the Final Four for a second consecutive year.

Clark’s leadership, poise, and humility have earned her admiration even from rivals.

“She doesn’t brag. She lets her game talk,” said one fan in a viral TikTok video that compared Clark’s postseason highlights with Reese’s absence.

“Caitlin Clark is what you want your kids to look up to.”

The juxtaposition between the two athletes has reignited an ongoing debate in women’s sports about authenticity, leadership, and legacy.

While both players have undeniable talent and a massive following, their approach to fame and team dynamics appears vastly different.

LSU Community Divided

Back at Louisiana State University, the fanbase is increasingly divided. Some continue to support Reese, highlighting her role in elevating LSU’s program to national prominence and acknowledging her mental health struggles.

Others, however, feel betrayed by what they perceive as self-centered behavior.

“She’s amazing, but she needs to learn humility,” said LSU alumna Carla Simmons.

“Basketball is a team sport. If you’re not there for your team, you don’t get to take credit for their achievements.”

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey has largely avoided commenting on the controversy directly, but in a post-game interview following LSU’s Sweet 16 loss, she made a cryptic statement

: “It’s about the five players on the court and the ten on the bench. That’s who wins games—not tweets.”

Professional Implications for Reese

Reese’s controversial statements could have implications beyond college basketball.

The 21-year-old recently declared for the 2025 WNBA Draft and is expected to be a top-5 pick. However, scouts and general managers are reportedly scrutinizing her off-court behavior.

An anonymous WNBA scout told The Athletic, “There’s no question about her talent. But in this league, professionalism matters. GMs want leaders, not influencers.”

In contrast, Caitlin Clark has already signed multiple endorsement deals with global brands like Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm.

Her draft stock is not just secure—it’s historic. She’s projected to be the No. 1 pick, and some insiders believe she could revitalize the WNBA’s viewership.

Reese’s Response to the Backlash

In an effort to control the narrative, Reese took to Instagram Live to defend her comments.

“I love my team. I never meant to take away from them,” she said tearfully. “But I worked hard for this. I sacrificed a lot. And I just want people to understand that I’m human too.”

While some fans appreciated the vulnerability, others remained skeptical, calling it “too little, too late.”

A trending post summed up the public mood: “Angel Reese is learning the hard way that leadership isn’t just about talking—it’s about showing up.”

Experts Weigh In

Dr. Tasha Green, a sports psychologist who works with college athletes, believes Reese is facing the dual burden of celebrity and scrutiny.

“She’s under a microscope. Social media amplifies everything,” said Dr. Green. “But she also has to understand the responsibilities that come with being a public figure. Words matter. Timing matters.”

Green also cautioned that comparing Reese to Clark can be harmful in the long run.

“They’re different people, different playing styles. It’s okay to celebrate both without tearing one down.”

Moving Forward: Redemption or Reputation Damage?

The question remains—can Angel Reese recover from this public relations misstep, or has her image suffered lasting damage?

Her future in the WNBA will likely offer her a fresh start, but insiders suggest that she’ll need to recalibrate how she handles the spotlight.

Being a professional athlete demands more than talent; it requires grace, accountability, and teamwork.

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark continues to be the poster child of women’s college basketball, navigating fame with a level of maturity that many find refreshing.

“She never makes it about her, even when she breaks records,” said Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder. “That’s leadership.”

A Teachable Moment in Women’s Sports

Ultimately, the saga surrounding Angel Reese serves as a cautionary tale for young athletes navigating fame in the digital age.

It highlights the need for emotional intelligence, humility, and a team-first mentality.

While Reese remains a transformative figure in the sport, her recent comments have drawn attention to the fine line between confidence and arrogance.

How she responds in the coming months—both on and off the court—could define her legacy.

As women’s basketball continues to grow in visibility and influence, the spotlight on athletes like Reese and Clark only intensifies.

With that visibility comes responsibility—not just to the game, but to the fans, teammates, and future generations who look up to them.