Angel Reese, the 22-year-old former LSU Tiger, has come forward with serious allegations against Caitlin Clark’s fanbase. In a recent episode of her new podcast, which is part of Shaquille O’Neal’s “The Big Podcast Network,” Reese shared her experience of dealing with harassment and racism linked to her rivalry with Clark.
The podcast, which releases new episodes on Thursdays, promises to offer a candid look into Reese’s life and career. Reese did not hold back when discussing the negative impact her rivalry with Clark has had on her.
“It sucks to see that, and it’s really hard that I have to go through that,” Angel Reese said.
“Caitlin is an amazing player and I’ve always thought she was an amazing player,” Reese said on the podcast. “We’ve been playing each other since high school. So I think it’s really just the fans, her fans, the Iowa fans, and now the Indiana fans that… ride for her. And I respect that, respectfully.”
However, Reese expressed that the support from Clark’s fans has sometimes crossed into troubling territory. “But sometimes it’s very disrespectful,” Reese continued. “I think there’s a lot of racism when it comes to it. And I don’t believe [Caitlin] stands on any of that. But when it comes to death threats… like, I’m talking about people have come down to my address, follow me home… it has come down to that.”
Reese detailed several disturbing incidents, including receiving threatening messages and inappropriate AI-generated images. “Multiple occasions, people have made AI pictures of me, like naked. Literally. They have sent it to my family members. My family members are like… uncles are sending it to me like ‘Are you naked on Instagram?’ It sucks to see that, and it’s really hard that I have to go through that. And now seeing other players even having to go through that.”
Despite these harsh experiences, Reese emphasized that her issues are with the behavior of certain fans, not with Clark herself. “At the end of the day, it’s a game that we do both love. But there is no hate,” she said. Her comments make it clear that while the rivalry on the court is fierce, the personal animosity is not directed at Clark herself.
Reese’s revelations highlight a serious problem within sports culture: the intersection of fandom and harassment. While there is no way to independently verify all of Reese’s claims, the described behavior underscores a concerning trend. The aggression and racism reported by Reese are unacceptable and reflect broader issues that extend beyond individual sports rivalries.
The troubling behavior she describes brings attention to the need for better regulation and support systems within the sports community. No athlete should face threats or harassment based on their participation in the game. The incident serves as a reminder that sportsmanship should prevail both on and off the court.
Caitlin Clark has yet to publicly respond to Reese’s accusations. As the rivalry continues to capture public interest, it is crucial for fans to remember the importance of respect and civility. The focus should remain on celebrating the talents and achievements of athletes rather than succumbing to destructive behaviors.
In light of these revelations, it is evident that the dialogue around fan behavior and athlete safety needs to be addressed more urgently. The sports community must work together to create a more respectful and supportive environment for all players.
Angel Reese’s podcast promises to shed more light on her experiences and perspectives. As she navigates these challenges, her courage in speaking out may inspire positive changes in how athletes are treated by fans. The conversation about racism and harassment in sports is far from over, and Reese’s story is a significant part of that ongoing dialogue.
