The mystery surrounding Angel Reese’s four-game absence during the 2023/24 LSU women’s basketball season captivated the nation, but what truly went down behind the scenes remained tightly sealed-until now.

A recently released video from Amazon’s documentary series TheMoney Game sheds light on the enigmatic ordeal and reveals a surprising truth: Kim Mulkey, the fiery and unrelenting head coach, was quietly standing by her star player the entire time.

Reese, the driving force behind LSU’s dominant run, was unexpectedly benched during a November 14 game against Kent State. At halftime, with LSU holding a slim lead, she never saw the court again. Fans were left in the dark, puzzled by the sudden move.

Yet, as the Tigers continued to play without Reese, the silence from Mulkey was deafening. The coach’s cryptic and almost dismissive comments fueled a whirlwind of speculation, turning a basketball decision into national intrigue.

Angel Reese and Kim Mulkey share touching moment after Sky’s WNBA matchup

The plot thickened as Reese missed not just one but four consecutive games, her absence conspicuous and unexplained. While Mulkey dodged questions, offering sharp and sassy responses to reporters, Reese took to social media, posting vague, cryptic messages that only deepened the mystery

. Each new game without the Tigers’ star forward saw rumors swirling faster-was there a rift between player and coach? A disciplinary action? Mental health struggles? No one could put the pieces together.

And then came the feisty postgame exchange. Mulkey, known for her fierce loyalty and ironclad demeanor, clashed with a reporter, refusing to offer any clarity. The standoff sent shockwaves through the sports world, with many questioning if this was the beginning of the end for Reese at LSU.

But as it turns out, the truth was far more nuanced than anyone realized.

According to Reese, the tension between her and Mulkey had indeed flared up during the Kent State game. The two reportedly “kind of got into it,” leading to an agreement that some time away from the court would be best for Reese. It wasn’t about punishment; it was about taking a breather in a high-pressure environment. In a candid revelation during The Money Game, Reese reflected on the bond she shares with her coach, praising Mulkey for her understanding.

“I needed that break,”Reese said in the documentary.“It wasn’t easy, but Coach Mulkey had my back the whole way. That’s the kind of relationship we have.”

The comeback and the embrace: Mulkey’s silent support shines in Reese’s return

When Reese finally returned to action, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. The high-stakes matchup against Virginia Tech became the perfect stage for her comeback. With LSU pulling off a seven-point victory, all eyes were on the emotional postgame moment when Mulkey embraced Reese, a hug that seemed to communicate everything words hadn’t.

Captured by Amazon’s cameras, the moment of reconciliation sent a message loud and clear: Kim Mulkey wasn’t just Reese’s coach, she was her protector. Despite the rampant speculation, the rumors, and the gossip, Mulkey had chosen to shield her player from the spotlight, allowing Reese to take the time she needed, on her own terms.

While fans and analysts alike may still debate the lack of transparency during those tumultuous weeks in November, one thing is clear: Kim Mulkey’s loyalty to her players runs deep. In an era where public scrutiny is relentless, Mulkey’s decision to keep Reese’s situation private speaks to her belief that some battles are best fought behind closed doors.