Angel Reese disrespects coach during critical game moment

In the United States, during a tight WNBA matchup on July 8, 2025, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese was involved in a controversial incident that led to significant backlash on social media. The Sky faced off against the Washington Mystics, and with the game tied at 77 and only 30 seconds remaining, Reese became visibly upset during a timeout. Rather than focusing on the team's strategy, she confronted her emotions, which culminated in her slapping a clipboard from the hands of Ann Crosby, the team's vice president of strength and conditioning. This incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, prompting widespread criticism from fans who felt Reese had displayed disrespectful behavior towards her coach. Many commenters on social media echoed sentiments that athletes should maintain respect for their coaches, drawing comparisons with Reese's former college rival Caitlin Clark, emphasizing her exemplary conduct in similar high-pressure situations. This incident sparked debate about athlete conduct in professional sports, with fans feeling disappointed in Reese's actions, especially given the team's poor performance in the ongoing season. After the incident, despite her impressive stats of 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, the Sky ended up losing the match narrowly by a score of 81-79 against the Mystics. As the Sky currently hold one of the worst records in the WNBA, Reese's behavior has led to questioned focus and commitment amidst her struggles, indicating a need for change on both a personal level and for the team's dynamics. In light of her actions, Reese addressed the incident on social media, stating it occurred in the "heat of the moment," and recognized the importance of respect, seemingly vowing not to repeat such behavior in the future. Meanwhile, Reese's performance earned her recognition as a reserve for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game, showing that her talent still stands out despite the controversy overshadowing her season.