Angel Reese’s podcast facing shocking controversy – Even all the top honors can’ save it

Angel Reese has been making headlines for both her basketball prowess and her rapidly growing presence in the media. Her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, which was launched in September, has garnered immense success, quickly becoming one of the top athlete-led podcasts as recognized by Boardroom heading into 2025. Reese shared the exciting news with her fans on Instagram, posting a simple but heartfelt “Thank ya” in response to the recognition.

Since its debut, Unapologetically Angel has resonated with a wide audience, boasting over 113,000 subscribers on YouTube and featuring high-profile guests like NBA legend Dwyane Wade, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, and popular rapper GloRilla. This rapid rise places Reese among the trailblazing WNBA players who are breaking down barriers in the media landscape, standing alongside the successful A Touch More podcast hosted by Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.

However, despite Reese’s remarkable accomplishments and the podcast’s growing success, her achievement has been overshadowed by a shocking and controversial incident. A recent appearance by internet personality Charleston White on Jeff Teague’s Club 520 podcast has sparked an uproar, overshadowing Reese’s career milestone. White’s offensive remarks about Reese have ignited a firestorm of backlash, threatening to tarnish the positive impact she has made on and off the court.

Controversial Comments Draw Fire

Charleston White, known for his inflammatory and often controversial statements, recently appeared on Club 520, where his remarks about Reese left many in the sports world outraged. During the podcast, White took aim at Reese’s influence on the WNBA’s rising popularity, echoing Shaquille O’Neal’s earlier praise of her dunking ability. However, White’s rhetoric quickly spiraled into a deeply problematic and objectifying tirade that left listeners stunned.

In a tasteless attempt to make a point about Reese’s popularity, White suggested that she should create an explicit online account to increase her visibility. “She should dunk in some panties with no bra on. That’s how you sell tickets,” White suggested, using crude language to imply that Reese’s athletic talent was secondary to her appearance. He further commented, “I think Angel Reese don’t wanna play basketball. I think she wanna sell herself.” These remarks were widely seen as sexist, misogynistic, and a blatant attempt to reduce Reese to her physicality, undermining her hard-earned success as a professional athlete.

White’s comments quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from a wide range of individuals, including fans, sports analysts, and fellow athletes. WNBA players such as Sydney Colson of the Las Vegas Aces, Natalie Esquire, and Lexie Brown of the LA Sparks were among the many who criticized White’s disrespectful comments. Colson, Esquire, and Brown each took to social media to express their outrage, calling for accountability and a greater recognition of women’s contributions to the sports world beyond their physical appearances.

A Rising Star Amidst Challenges

Despite the controversy surrounding White’s remarks, Angel Reese’s impact on the WNBA and sports culture remains undeniable. Reese, along with Caitlin Clark, has played a key role in bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA. Their presence on the court has sparked significant increases in ticket sales, viewership, and overall interest in women’s basketball. In fact, the WNBA recently signed its biggest TV deal in history, a landmark achievement that many attribute to the rising popularity of players like Reese and Clark.

As one of the brightest stars in the league, Reese has consistently showcased her talent and leadership on the court, gaining recognition for her skill and resilience. However, the backlash against White’s comments highlights the continued challenges that female athletes face, particularly when it comes to battling sexism and objectification. Despite Reese’s success and the increasing recognition of her abilities, the incident underscores the uphill battle women in sports must fight to be taken seriously for their talents and not reduced to their appearances.

Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence, has yet to publicly respond to White’s comments, which may be a reflection of her desire to focus on her career rather than engaging in the negativity that often surrounds high-profile controversies. However, her success and continued prominence in the sports world serve as a powerful testament to her resilience. Reese’s ability to rise above the noise and remain focused on her goals is a reflection of the strength and determination that has fueled her rise to stardom.

The Double Standard in Sports Media

The controversy surrounding Charleston White’s comments on Club 520 also highlights a troubling double standard in how female athletes are treated compared to their male counterparts. While male athletes like Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade are celebrated for their on-court achievements and are allowed to cultivate their media presences without facing the same level of objectification, female athletes like Reese are often reduced to their physical appearances. This disparity in how male and female athletes are perceived and discussed is not a new issue, but it has become more pronounced as women’s sports have gained more visibility and recognition in recent years.

Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, was created to offer a platform for athletes to speak openly about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. As someone who has navigated both the highs and lows of being a public figure, Reese understands the importance of using her voice to challenge the narratives that seek to undermine the accomplishments of female athletes. The success of her podcast, however, has been overshadowed by the persistent undercurrent of sexism that pervades much of the media coverage surrounding women’s sports.

Despite these challenges, Reese’s impact is undeniable. Her presence on Unapologetically Angel has not only helped bring attention to her own career but has also opened doors for other female athletes to share their stories and be recognized for their contributions to the world of sports. Reese’s podcast provides a much-needed alternative to the traditional narratives that often fail to capture the full scope of women’s sports and the complex realities that female athletes face.

Reese’s Resilience: A Powerful Example for the Next Generation

As the controversy over White’s comments continues to unfold, Reese’s resilience in the face of adversity remains a beacon of hope for young girls and aspiring athletes everywhere. Her unapologetic confidence and refusal to be defined by outdated stereotypes and misogynistic remarks make her a powerful role model for the next generation. While White’s comments were deeply hurtful, they also serve as a reminder of the need for continued advocacy and action to support female athletes in all sports.

Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, may be facing a challenge in terms of its public perception due to the controversy, but the core mission of her podcast remains unchanged. Reese’s goal is to amplify the voices of athletes who are often overlooked and to provide a platform where women can speak candidly about their experiences. Her commitment to this mission will undoubtedly continue to resonate with listeners who appreciate the unfiltered insights that Unapologetically Angel provides.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Women in Sports

As we look ahead, it is clear that Reese’s impact on the world of sports media is far from over. While she continues to face challenges and backlash, her strength and determination have already proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. The controversy surrounding White’s comments may have momentarily overshadowed her success, but Reese’s ability to push through adversity and rise above the negativity speaks volumes about her character and the importance of creating spaces for women to thrive in sports.

Angel Reese’s journey is far from complete, and as she continues to break down barriers in both basketball and the media world, one thing is clear: her voice will continue to be a powerful force for change. Through her podcast, her advocacy, and her unwavering confidence, Reese is paving the way for future generations of athletes to stand unapologetically in their truth.