Angel Reese dodges accountability over controversial Caitlin Clark comment

In May 2025, the WNBA began its regular season with a focus on promoting respect through its campaign 'No Space for Hate.' This campaign was in stark contrast to incidents from the previous season, where several players, particularly those from the Chicago Sky, exhibited hostility toward Caitlin Clark—an athlete deemed a target for criticism. Angel Reese, a prominent player, sparked controversy last summer when she claimed that more viewers were tuning into the WNBA because of her and Clark. This assertion was met with backlash, as many felt it was unsubstantiated. In a recent interview when asked about this provocative statement, Reese chose to evade the question entirely, leading to frustration among analysts and fans alike. Critics argue this behavior reflects a broader issue within the league, where players are seemingly coddled and their poor conduct overlooked, particularly in the context of race. While the WNBA aims for a healthy atmosphere, critics highlight that the league failed to adequately address hostile actions against Clark in the past, raising questions of sincerity in their 'No Space for Hate' initiative. As the season progresses, attention will likely turn to how the league reconciles its objectives with the reality of player conduct, especially as Reese and Clark are set to compete against each other again. This ongoing narrative of treating players differently based on their backgrounds illustrates the complexities and challenges the WNBA faces in fostering a truly inclusive environment for all athletes.