Angel Reese, one of the most talked-about rookies in the WNBA this season, has found herself at the center of a social media storm after a training video intended to showcase her off-season grind backfired spectacularly—igniting harsh criticism and an avalanche of unflattering comparisons to fellow rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

Now, the Chicago Sky forward is speaking out, furious over what she says is a “disrespectful narrative” being pushed by fans and critics alike.

The controversy started when a workout video of Reese was posted to her Instagram stories and later shared by a basketball training account.

The footage showed Reese performing various drills, including rebounding, mid-range shooting, agility work, and post moves. The purpose was clear: to give fans a look at the work she’s been putting in behind the scenes ahead of her WNBA debut. But instead of praise, the clip was met with skepticism, mockery, and unfair comparisons.

Comments quickly flooded the post, many pointing out what they claimed was a lack of explosiveness or polished technique, especially when compared to the viral training and game footage of Caitlin Clark.

Some users went so far as to post side-by-side videos of Reese and Clark, sarcastically captioned “Hard work vs. Hype” or “This ain’t the same league.”

One viral tweet read, “Angel Reese out here doing middle school drills while Caitlin’s already breaking records. SHE’S NO CAITLIN CLARK.” Another chimed in, “They hyped up Angel for nothing. Caitlin is miles ahead.” The video was reposted hundreds of times with commentary that ranged from skeptical to downright brutal.

Reese, who has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, responded within 24 hours. During a live session on TikTok, she addressed the backlash head-on.

“Y’all really love to tear Black women down the second we show a little confidence,” she said, clearly frustrated. “I post one workout video—ONE—and all of a sudden I’m getting compared to Caitlin like this is a competition of who works harder?”

Her tone grew sharper as she continued. “Y’all got so much to say, but most of you never picked up a basketball in your life. You see a two-minute clip and think you know the whole story. I’m in the gym every single day. This isn’t just for show. I work just as hard as anybody else in this league.”

Reese, who was dubbed the “Bayou Barbie” during her collegiate days at LSU, is no stranger to controversy or the spotlight. She became a household name after leading LSU to a national championship in 2023 and famously gesturing to Clark during the final moments of the title game.

Since then, she’s walked a tightrope between basketball star and cultural icon, celebrated by fans for her confidence and style but often targeted by critics who accuse her of being arrogant or overhyped.

While Clark’s transition to the WNBA has been framed as seamless and historic, Reese’s journey is being held under a different lens. Despite both athletes being drafted in the same class and facing the pressures of professional play, Reese appears to be shouldering a disproportionate level of criticism—much of it tinged with coded language and racial undertones.

Several voices around the league came to Reese’s defense in the wake of the backlash. Former WNBA player and current analyst Chiney Ogwumike tweeted, “Angel Reese is going to be just fine.

Stop acting like one video defines a player’s future. Growth takes time, and she’s clearly putting in the work.” Others echoed her sentiment, including WNBA All-Star A’ja Wilson, who wrote, “They love to hate what they can’t control. Keep working, sis. Block out the noise.”

The Chicago Sky have also stood behind their young star. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon addressed the situation in a post-practice interview, saying, “Angel’s work ethic is off the charts.

People want to create stories out of nothing. We’re not worried about the internet. We’re focused on building something special here, and Angel’s a big part of that.”

Despite the overwhelming wave of negativity, Reese seems determined to use the moment as fuel rather than a setback. “This is what they do,” she said during her livestream. “They hype you up when you’re winning, then tear you down when you’re trying to grow. I’m not here for the likes. I’m here to get better and win.”

Her words struck a chord with many of her supporters, who have rallied behind her in recent days using hashtags like #RespectAngel and #LetHerWork.

Fan accounts have begun sharing footage from her LSU days, highlighting her dominance in the paint, her rebounding prowess, and her leadership qualities.

Still, the comparisons to Clark show no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s on the court or in the court of public opinion, the two athletes are seemingly destined to be linked throughout their careers.

But as many sports commentators have pointed out, comparing their styles—Clark’s long-range finesse and playmaking versus Reese’s physical inside game—is not only unfair, it’s missing the bigger picture.

“These are two completely different players who bring unique strengths to the league,” said sports columnist Jemele Hill in a recent appearance on ESPN’s Around the Horn. “What’s really happening here is a classic case of the media and fans trying to manufacture a rivalry instead of appreciating what both women offer.”

With the WNBA season just getting underway, Reese is focused on letting her game do the talking. She’s scheduled to make her regular-season debut with the Chicago Sky in just a few days, and sources close to the team say she’s using the backlash as motivation.

“She’s locked in,” said a team insider. “She’s been early to every workout, staying late, asking for extra film. She wants to prove she belongs—and she will.”

Whether or not the comparisons to Caitlin Clark continue, one thing is clear: Angel Reese is not backing down. She’s leaning into the challenge, refusing to let a social media firestorm dictate the narrative of her career. If anything, this moment may mark the beginning of her transformation—from college champion to professional star with something to prove.

And if history tells us anything, it’s that betting against Angel Reese has never been a good idea.