Angel Reese has proven she can handle pressure on the court, but off it, she’s recently faced a storm of controversy. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III stirred backlash when he reposted a racially offensive meme portraying Reese as a monkey after her NBA 2K26 cover was announced.
The post, originally seen by few, was amplified to millions through Griffin’s platform. He then made matters worse by claiming insiders told him Reese “hated” fellow WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
The Sky forward swiftly shot down the claims, calling Griffin a liar. Her mother, Angel Webb Reese, also responded, stating that whoever Griffin spoke to was not in her daughter’s trusted circle. The implication of an ongoing feud between Reese and Clark has been media-driven, but both athletes have clarified there’s no personal animosity.
Backing Reese in the fallout were two larger-than-life sports figures. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, a longtime supporter of Reese since her LSU days, lashed out at Griffin.
“I’m going to punch you in your f-king face,” he warned, making clear that he would not tolerate anyone disrespecting someone he considers family.
WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic powerlifter Mark Henry also jumped in. Speaking on The Morning Kickoff, he called Griffin’s behavior irresponsible. “It would have been fine if that’s where he left it,” Henry said, “but he retweeted a meme with Angel Reese as a monkey. Maybe a thousand people saw it. But when he posted it, millions saw it.”
He also dismissed Griffin’s commentary on the supposed feud, saying, “If the beef is with the women, let the women have the beef. Why do you have to be in it? Corny.”
Leading the Sky despite the noise
While controversy swirled, Angel Reese let her game do the talking. She’s posted a remarkable nine-game stretch, averaging 18.1 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting over 50% from the field. Often playing over 34 minutes per game, Reese has taken on the added responsibility of point forward due to injuries in the Sky’s backcourt.
Her leadership was especially evident when the team struggled in her absence, posting their lowest scoring game in 14 years. Despite a 7-15 record, the Sky’s competitiveness drops sharply when Reese is sidelined.
In her own words: “This is a new role for me, that’s no excuse… I just try and come in every day and dominate my matchup because I know this team needs me.” With support from legends and relentless drive, Angel Reese continues to rise-on and off the court.
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