WNBA star Angel Reese has sparked discussion after declining a one-on-one basketball challenge from sports commentator Clay Travis, who proposed a televised pay-per-view match with $100,000 at stake. The contest, according to Travis, was intended to raise millions for charity, but Reese opted not to engage, instead blocking Travis on X on Friday night. Her decision has fueled debate online, with some calling it a missed opportunity while others see it as a way to avoid unnecessary controversy.
Travis issued the challenge earlier in the week, suggesting the winner would take home $100,000-a figure higher than Reese’s current WNBA salary. The game was pitched as an entertainment spectacle with charitable benefits, but Reese made it clear she wasn’t interested. Her decision came after a rough on-court performance where she struggled offensively, going 0-for-8 from the field and scoring just two points.
Despite her offensive struggles, Reese remains a defensive force in the WNBA, collecting 12 rebounds in the same game, many off her own missed shots. Travis, known for controversial takes on gender and athletics, seized on Reese’s recent form, claiming his own abilities-fueled by his son’s eighth-grade team-could give him an advantage in the proposed matchup. His commentary, while intended to be humorous, drew mixed reactions from sports fans and media figures.
She has nothing to say about this for now
Reese has largely avoided commenting on the challenge directly, instead focusing on her career and recent endorsements. She did, however, take aim at Travis by blocking him on X, signaling her unwillingness to entertain the idea further. The move was met with criticism from some who believed the game could have been a lighthearted event for charity, though others supported Reese for not engaging in what they saw as a publicity stunt.
This isn’t the first time Travis has inserted himself into conversations about women’s basketball. Earlier this year, he controversially suggested that a high school boys’ team could defeat WNBA champions in a head-to-head matchup, furthering debates about gender in professional sports. His challenge to Reese appears to be another attempt to stir discussion, though Reese herself remains focused on her career rather than engaging in online theatrics.
While some fans were intrigued by the prospect of the game, Reese’s choice to step away from the conversation suggests she has no interest in fueling the controversy. As the WNBA season progresses, her priority remains proving herself on the court rather than participating in off-court debates.
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