Angel Reese Refuses to Acknowledge Caitlin Clark as Athlete of the Year: “Athlete of the Year? Nah, She is More Like the Queen of…”

Angel Reese Refuses to Acknowledge Caitlin Clark as Athlete of the Year: “She is More Like the Queen of Turnovers”

In a move that’s shaking up the basketball world, WNBA star Angel Reese has made waves with her sharp and controversial remarks about Caitlin Clark’s recent honor as Athlete of the Year. What should have been a moment of celebration for Clark, who has had a phenomenal year, has now sparked a fiery debate over competition, achievements, and what it means to be truly deserving of such accolades.

Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence and competitive fire, did not mince words when asked about Clark’s recognition. “Athlete of the Year? Nah, she’s more like the queen of turnovers,” Reese declared. The comments came as a direct swipe at Clark’s occasional struggles with ball security, a topic that has been discussed throughout the season.

Reese’s blunt critique quickly went viral, stirring a storm on social media and in sports communities. Fans, pundits, and fellow athletes have been left debating whether Reese’s comments were a valid critique of Clark’s performance or an unnecessary shot at the rising star.

Caitlin Clark’s Historic Achievement

Caitlin Clark’s journey to receiving the prestigious Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award has been nothing short of extraordinary. This past season, Clark dominated both on and off the court, showcasing her skills in a way that captured the attention of basketball fans around the world.

The Indiana Fever guard’s exceptional performances led her to become the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she immediately made her mark, earning WNBA All-Star honors, Rookie of the Year, and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team—all in her debut season. It’s a list of achievements that few athletes in history can boast of, let alone a rookie.

Clark’s rise has not only been fueled by her on-court brilliance but also her influence off the court. With a large following and a wave of sponsorship deals, she’s become the face of a new era for women’s basketball, drawing packed arenas and generating buzz across multiple platforms.

But while many celebrate Clark’s accomplishments, Reese is one of the few to openly criticize her rise to fame, even though both players are part of the same basketball ecosystem.

Angel Reese’s Strong Opinions

For Reese, the debate seems to go beyond just a critique of Clark’s occasional ball handling mistakes. In her comments, she expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for players like herself who have consistently shown up in professional leagues. “This is so disrespectful to all women in the league,” Reese continued. “The fact that they would pick someone who has been inconsistent with her decision-making and has a high turnover rate over players who are actually putting up consistent numbers and making an impact is a slap in the face.”

It’s clear that Reese’s comments aren’t solely about Clark, but a larger frustration with what she perceives as an imbalance in recognition for players who may not be as high-profile but consistently perform at a high level in the WNBA. Despite her statements, Reese has faced backlash from fans who feel that Clark’s impressive rise in the sport is well-deserved.

Caitlin Clark’s Historic Year

Clark’s win marks a historic moment for women’s basketball. She becomes just the fourth women’s basketball player to earn the Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year award, following in the footsteps of legends like Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021). Clark’s achievement, however, isn’t just limited to her performance in the WNBA; her career-making season includes a long list of awards and accolades that place her in the upper echelon of the game.

“I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me,” Clark said, reflecting on her win. “To be honored in this way is super special, and I’m thankful. It was a great year for women’s basketball.”

Her year has not only elevated her own career but also put women’s basketball into the spotlight in ways it’s never been before. Clark’s rise signals a potential shift in the sport, as her fame brings attention and recognition to the entire league and to female athletes who have long fought for equal standing.

The Bigger Picture

Reese’s comments, while controversial, shine a light on the complex and often heated competition that exists within women’s sports. While Clark has undoubtedly had an extraordinary year, Reese’s critique speaks to the realities of an industry where every player is striving for recognition in a highly competitive environment.

The tension between these two players is symbolic of a larger conversation within the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole: How can the sport balance the rising stars with the established players, and what criteria should define “the best” in such a rapidly changing landscape?

As the debate rages on, one thing is certain—this rivalry between Reese and Clark is far from over. The next season of the WNBA promises to be full of sparks as these two stars, both with their unique strengths and competitive drives, battle for supremacy both on and off the court.

In the end, the real winners may not just be Clark or Reese, but the future of women’s basketball, which is being shaped by the passion, fierce competition, and bold personalities of athletes like them.