Jason Whitlock Calls Angel Reese “Most Overrated Athlete” in Sports: A Controversial Opinion

In the world of sports commentary, few voices are as divisive as that of Jason Whitlock, a former sports columnist and current media personality known for his outspoken opinions on athletes, race, and culture. Recently, Whitlock stirred up significant controversy with a harsh critique of LSU basketball star Angel Reese. During a segment, Whitlock claimed that Reese is “arguably the most overrated athlete in all of sports,” calling her “incredibly unathletic,” lacking “skill,” and without a “post-game.” He even suggested that her animosity toward Iowa’s Caitlin Clark stems from jealousy of Clark’s superior skill set.

Whitlock’s remarks have ignited a fierce debate across social media, with many fans, analysts, and athletes taking issue with his harsh criticism of Reese, who led LSU to victory in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. To understand the implications of Whitlock’s comments, we must unpack both the criticisms of Reese’s game and the broader context of this commentary.

The Criticism of Angel Reese’s Game

 

Whitlock’s comments about Reese primarily focus on what he perceives as deficiencies in her basketball skills. He describes her as “incredibly unathletic,” a charge that stands in stark contrast to her performances on the court. Reese is widely regarded as a dynamic force in women’s college basketball—she’s known for her physicality, rebounding, and presence in the paint. In the 2022-2023 season, Reese averaged a double-double, posting impressive numbers in both points and rebounds. Her strength and ability to dominate in the post have made her a key player for LSU, and her presence on both ends of the floor was instrumental in their championship run.

Criticizing her for a lack of skill or a “post-game” seems at odds with how many view her as a strong and versatile player who has the ability to impact games in multiple ways. While it’s true that Reese’s style of play is more physical and less reliant on finesse compared to some other stars, including her counterpart Caitlin Clark, to dismiss her as “unathletic” and “skill-less” appears to overlook the strengths that have made her such an effective player. In fact, her rebounding ability, her work on the boards, and her defensive tenacity are often seen as significant assets that contribute to her team’s success.

The Caitlin Clark Comparison

One of the more provocative aspects of Whitlock’s comments was his suggestion that Reese “hates” Caitlin Clark because she is jealous of Clark’s skills. Clark, a guard for the University of Iowa, had an exceptional season and became a media sensation with her three-point shooting, playmaking, and overall scoring ability. She is one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball and is known for her sharpshooting and offensive flair. In contrast, Reese’s style is more focused on power and rebounding, rather than the finesse and perimeter shooting that Clark brings to the table.

This rivalry came to the forefront during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, where LSU defeated Iowa in a highly publicized and often heated matchup. During the game, both Reese and Clark had their moments of showmanship, with Reese famously taunting Clark by pointing to her finger after LSU’s victory, signaling her impending championship ring. This exchange drew criticism from some observers, with some questioning whether Reese’s actions were overly aggressive or unsportsmanlike.

Whitlock’s claim that Reese “hates” Clark because of jealousy is a bold assertion. While it’s true that Reese and Clark are often framed as contrasting figures in the women’s basketball world, their rivalry appears to be more of a competitive dynamic rather than one of personal animosity. Both players have made their names in a sport that is still fighting for greater visibility and recognition, and their rivalry may be more about proving themselves on the biggest stage than about petty personal conflicts.

The Broader Debate on Sports Commentary

Whitlock’s comments touch on a deeper issue of how athletes, particularly women athletes, are critiqued and portrayed in the media. Criticism of athletes is common, but when the critique is based on personal characteristics—such as being “unathletic” or “lacking skill”—it raises questions about the fairness of the analysis. Whitlock’s description of Reese ignores much of the complexity of her game and reduces her to a set of negative attributes, which, to many fans, seems like an unfair simplification.

Additionally, the gendered nature of sports commentary is worth noting. Female athletes, particularly Black women like Reese, often face harsher critiques and are frequently pitted against one another in ways that male athletes typically are not. While male athletes like LeBron James or Stephen Curry are often praised for their overall impact on the game, women athletes like Reese and Clark are more often scrutinized for their individual qualities, such as their appearance, personality, or perceived lack of certain skills. Whitlock’s comments about Reese fit into this broader pattern, where Black women in sports are regularly judged not just for their athletic ability but also for how they express themselves and interact with their peers.

Reactions from Fans and Analysts

Whitlock’s comments have not gone unchallenged. Many fans and analysts have come to Reese’s defense, citing her impressive performances on the court and her role in LSU’s national championship victory. Social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, have seen an outpouring of support for Reese, with many pointing out that her contributions to LSU’s success cannot be dismissed simply because her style of play differs from that of other high-profile athletes like Caitlin Clark.

The criticism of Whitlock’s remarks highlights a larger conversation about the expectations placed on female athletes. Reese’s success—particularly in the high-pressure environment of a national championship game—speaks for itself, and many fans believe that such achievements should be celebrated, not diminished by sweeping generalizations.

Conclusion

Jason Whitlock’s comments about Angel Reese have ignited a firestorm of debate over both his critique of her as a player and the larger conversation about race, gender, and sports commentary. While Whitlock is certainly entitled to his opinion, his harsh assessment of Reese’s abilities seems to overlook the qualities that make her such a formidable player. Whether it’s her dominance on the boards, her defensive presence, or her leadership on a championship-winning team, Angel Reese’s impact on college basketball is undeniable. In the end, opinions like Whitlock’s only serve to further highlight the complexities of sports analysis, where athletes—particularly women of color—are too often judged by unfair and incomplete standards.