Following a recent defeat to Caitlin Clark‘s Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese addressed criticisms aimed at WNBA players’ appearances during an episode of her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” featuring guest DiJonai Carrington. The duo discussed the persistent stereotypes that female athletes face, particularly regarding their femininity and fashion choices.
Reese highlighted the contradictory expectations placed on WNBA players, stating, “They complained and said that WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough.
We don’t dress cute enough. They don’t want to watch a bunch of little boys running around the court. Now we are doing too much.”
Carrington added her perspective, noting the scrutiny she faces for her personal style choices, especially her blonde hair.
She expressed frustration over comments questioning her hair color, saying, “I hate when people talk about that, like, ‘Why do you have blonde hair?’ I got black eyebrows. I got black arm hair, black leg hair … and I don’t care. I’m still a natural blonde.”
Challenging the double standards in women’s sports
The conversation between Reese and Carrington sheds light on the broader issue of double standards in women’s sports. While male athletes often have the freedom to express themselves without judgment, female athletes frequently face criticism for both embracing and rejecting traditional femininity.
Reese emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating, “It’s hard, especially as two black women who are unapologetic. We’re going to pop our s*** and say what we have to say. And I stand on what we said.”
Carrington echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenges of navigating public perception while staying true to oneself. Their candid discussion serves as a call to action for fans and the media to reevaluate the biases and expectations placed on female athletes, advocating for a more inclusive and accepting environment in sports.
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