In a shocking and dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA and the broader sports world, Angel Reese has reportedly been banned from professional basketball after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids.

The Chicago Sky, her team, has reportedly filed a lawsuit against her, effectively ending her career just months after she became one of the most talked-about athletes in women’s sports. The news, which broke just two minutes ago, has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media, sports media, and legal circles.

According to sources close to the investigation, Reese failed a routine drug test administered by the WNBA’s anti-doping agency. The test reportedly showed elevated levels of exogenous testosterone and other banned substances commonly associated with steroid use.

The league, which has strict policies against performance-enhancing drugs, has moved swiftly to suspend Reese indefinitely while the Chicago Sky — reeling from the implications — has taken the unprecedented step of filing a lawsuit against her for breach of contract and reputational damage.

The lawsuit, which has already been filed in Illinois State Court, alleges that Reese violated the terms of her contract by engaging in behavior that not only endangered her health but also tarnished the reputation of the franchise.

The Sky organization has reportedly labeled the situation a “betrayal of the integrity of the game,” and is seeking financial damages, including the return of endorsement bonuses and performance incentives paid out during the 2024 season.

This development marks a stunning downfall for Reese, who was once hailed as a rising star and a symbol of confidence and resilience in women’s basketball.

Drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2024 after a dominant college career at LSU, Reese quickly became a household name — not just for her on-court performance, but for her bold personality, viral moments, and polarizing interactions with fans and fellow players.

She was widely credited with helping to boost the WNBA’s visibility, particularly among younger audiences, and was seen as a key figure in the league’s growing cultural influence.

However, her time in the spotlight has now been cut short under the most controversial of circumstances.

The allegations against Reese have already sparked intense debate across social media. Some fans have expressed disbelief, questioning the validity of the test and suggesting that she may have been unfairly targeted. Others have voiced disappointment, saying that while they admired her confidence and charisma, they believe athletes have a responsibility to compete cleanly.

“This is heartbreaking,” wrote one fan on X. “She was such a trailblazer for young Black women in sports. I hope she gets to clear her name.”

Another user responded, “If the test is real, then she broke the rules. Everyone should have to play fair.”

Reese’s representatives have not yet issued a public statement, but sources indicate that her legal team is preparing a full defense, including a possible challenge to the validity of the test results. There are also rumors that Reese may contest the WNBA’s findings and pursue a formal appeal through the league’s arbitration process.

The Sky’s decision to sue her, however, suggests that the organization believes it has substantial evidence to support its claims. The lawsuit also reportedly includes allegations that Reese failed to disclose her use of certain supplements and that she ignored repeated warnings from team trainers and medical staff about the risks of unregulated substances.

The WNBA has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case, but a league spokesperson released a brief statement confirming that Reese is currently under investigation.

“The WNBA has zero tolerance for the use of performance-enhancing drugs,” the statement read. “We take all violations of our anti-doping policy seriously and will ensure that due process is followed.”

This scandal has also reignited the ongoing debate about drug testing in women’s sports. Critics have pointed out that female athletes are often subjected to harsher scrutiny than their male counterparts when it comes to doping allegations.

Some have also raised concerns about the potential for bias in testing procedures, particularly when it comes to Black athletes who have historically been treated more harshly in disciplinary cases.

“This is about more than just one athlete,” said one sports analyst on a major ESPN broadcast. “This is about how we treat female athletes, especially Black women, in the public eye. There’s a pattern of suspicion, of scrutiny, and sometimes of punishment that doesn’t match what we see in men’s sports.”

Reese’s downfall is especially shocking considering how recently she was in the middle of a major brand-building push. Just weeks ago, she was seen as a rising marketing star, with partnerships in the works across fashion, fitness, and lifestyle brands. Those deals are now reportedly being pulled, with several companies issuing statements distancing themselves from her.

The Chicago Sky, meanwhile, are left to pick up the pieces. The team has struggled on the court this season, and the controversy surrounding Reese’s suspension and lawsuit threatens to overshadow the rest of their campaign. Team officials have reportedly held an emergency meeting to discuss how to move forward and how to manage the fallout from the scandal.

For now, the basketball world is watching closely to see how this story unfolds. If the allegations are upheld, Reese could face a lifetime ban from professional basketball — a devastating end to what had once seemed like a promising career.

But if she is able to prove that the test was flawed or that she was unaware of the substances in her system, it could lead to a major reckoning for the WNBA and its drug policies.

Either way, this is a moment that will have lasting implications — not just for Angel Reese, but for the future of women’s sports, the integrity of the WNBA, and the way athletes are treated in the court of public opinion.

As the investigation continues, fans, analysts, and fellow players will be left to grapple with a painful reality: no matter how talented or influential an athlete may be, the consequences of breaking the rules can be irreversible.