SHOCKING CLAIMS: Kamilla Cardoso Accuses Angel Reese and Teresa Weatherspoon of Bullying and Career Sabotage
“It Was Constant in Chicago”: Kamilla Cardoso Breaks Silence on Bullying by Angel Reese and Teresa Weatherspoon—Claims Coach Weatherspoon Benched Her to Elevate Reese’s Stats and Silenced Her Concerns.
A Promising Start Turned Sour
Entering the WNBA as a highly anticipated draft pick, the 6’7″ Cardoso had high hopes for her rookie season. However, instead of a supportive team environment, she encountered hostility and emotional challenges that left her questioning her place in professional basketball.
Cardoso described feeling ostracized by Reese, whom she expected to be a leader but instead found critical and dismissive.
“I came into this league eager to prove myself, but instead of encouragement, I was constantly belittled,” Cardoso revealed. “Angel would call me ‘slow,’ mock my mistakes, and make me feel like I didn’t belong.”
The rookie said Reese’s behavior extended to public settings, with jabs often made during practices and in front of other teammates, creating an atmosphere where Cardoso felt unwelcome and unsupported.
Allegations Against Teresa Weatherspoon
Cardoso’s struggles weren’t limited to her interactions with Reese. She also accused coach Teresa Weatherspoon of fostering a toxic culture by discouraging her from addressing the mistreatment.
“Coach Weatherspoon told me to stay quiet, to ‘keep my head down’ and not cause trouble,” Cardoso claimed. “She said speaking up would label me a troublemaker and hurt my career. It felt like I was being suffocated—I couldn’t defend myself without fear of consequences.”
The rookie added that Weatherspoon’s alleged decision to bench her wasn’t based on performance but rather to favor Reese’s statistics, further diminishing her confidence and opportunities to grow as a player.
A Call for Change
Cardoso’s revelations shine a light on the darker side of professional sports, where the pressure to elevate star players and maintain team harmony can come at the expense of younger athletes’ mental health and development.
“This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive,” Cardoso stated. “No one should have to endure what I went through just to play the game they love.”
The rookie’s bravery in sharing her story is a reminder that beneath the spotlight, athletes face real struggles that demand greater attention and accountability. Fans and advocates are now calling for transparency and change within the WNBA to ensure that future players are met with respect and support, not hostility.