Angel Reese’s Controversial New Year’s Eve Post Sparks Backlash: Stephen A. Smith Weighs In

As tensions rise between two of women’s college basketball’s biggest stars, Angel Reese and Caitlyn Clark, a New Year’s Eve social media post from Reese has ignited a firestorm of controversy. With millions of fans and critics alike watching closely, Reese’s actions have left many questioning her motivations, and even prompted a bold response from the outspoken Stephen A. Smith.

Reese, who is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Unrivaled Basketball League, posted an image to her Instagram on New Year’s Eve that many considered provocative and attention-seeking. What appeared to be a simple New Year’s celebration update quickly became the talk of the basketball world.

The post, which seemed more like a desperate cry for attention than a casual social media share, prompted an overwhelming backlash that led Reese to delete her entire Instagram account.

Her decision to remove her presence from the platform entirely spoke volumes, indicating the intense pressure she was under following the controversy. And it’s not just about the post itself—it’s about the larger implications of social media and fame for young athletes like Reese.

In an era where online presence can either elevate or ruin a career, this moment has sparked a broader conversation about the pressures of being in the public eye.

Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from controversy, weighed in on the situation, calling out Reese’s actions as a sign of jealousy toward Caitlyn Clark, who has built an impeccable reputation both on and off the court. According to Smith, Reese’s post was an attempt to garner the same kind of attention Clark enjoys simply through her gameplay and professionalism.

Smith’s critique didn’t hold back, stating that if Reese had never waved her hand in Clark’s face during LSU’s victory over Iowa in the national championship, her rise to fame might not have been as meteoric.

While Reese’s rise to fame has been fueled by her talent and brash persona, it has also been marked by controversy, such as the infamous taunting incident in the national championship. In contrast, Caitlyn Clark, who many believe to be the epitome of professionalism, has let her game speak for itself.

Clark’s branding strategy has been meticulously crafted, elevating her public image beyond the basketball court. She has set the standard for how female athletes should carry themselves in the spotlight, and Reese, whether consciously or not, seems to be struggling to keep up with her counterpart.

The criticism isn’t just about the rivalry between Reese and Clark; it’s about the expectations placed on athletes in the digital age. With every tweet, post, and public appearance scrutinized, young athletes like Reese are constantly under pressure to navigate the delicate balance between self-expression and professionalism.

Smith used Reese’s social media misstep as a teachable moment, emphasizing the need for athletes to manage their image thoughtfully.

“Social media exists, and you have to be mindful of the image and perception you’re creating about yourself,” Smith explained. The criticism surrounding Reese’s actions highlights the struggle many young athletes face: how to balance the pressure of fame, the desire for self-expression, and the demands of professionalism.

But let’s not forget the root of the issue—Caitlyn Clark’s dominance in the game. Clark’s ability to stay focused on her craft while building a brand has made her a major force not just in college basketball, but in sports culture as a whole. While Reese has had her moments of brilliance, it’s hard to deny that Clark’s consistency and poise have made her the face of the sport in many eyes.

Angel Reese’s fame has been shaped by her on-court triumphs and off-court controversies, but if she wants to continue building a lasting legacy, she’ll need to find a way to manage the intense pressure that comes with being one of the most recognizable names in women’s sports. Will she learn from the mistakes of the past and continue to evolve? Only time will tell.

As the rivalry between these two stars continues to heat up, one thing is clear: the stakes for women’s basketball have never been higher. But the real question remains: can Angel Reese handle the pressure, or will she let the spotlight consume her?

Unrivaled facilities put WNBA to shame as Angel Reese breaks silence with three-word verdict before opener

Moving from college to the WNBA can be a shock for some players.

Schools like LSU provide state-of-the-art facilities and charter jets for their stars.

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Reese wants more done to highlight the WNBACredit: Getty
But professional teams do not have the same level of support despite the rise in popularity of the women’s game, which is enjoying a ratings surge.

Salaries are another hot topic with No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark earning just over $76,000 for her Rookie of the Year campaign.

Many players opt to play abroad in the offseason but the three-on-three Unrivaled league has stepped up to offer an alternative.

Players are handsomely rewarded financially and the tournament, which tips off on Friday, is based solely in Miami with world-class facilities on offer.

After raising $35million in funding, bosses spared no expense in creating a stunning venue where all 850 fans will be sitting courtside.

Angel Reese, who joined the Chicago Sky in 2024 after becoming a social media sensation during her time at LSU, spoke out about the gap in facilities between the WNBA and Unrivaled.

“I would stay here forever,” she said in her first Unrivaled media availability. “Everything I need is here — from massages to cold tubs, to being able to have resources, to workouts and everything.”

The nine-week league -founded by Olympians Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier – features six teams of six players with four advancing to the playoffs.

While they are in Florida, players will have access to a hair and makeup room, childcare center, and aestheticians, as well as the more typical facilities.

“We’re going to provide daycare servicing for the mothers on arrival,” league president Alex Bazzell told SB Nation. “It’s everything that the athletes need under one roof when it comes to anything and everything — on-court or off-court for them.”

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Unrivaled’s arena is a giant sound-stage to make for good TV viewing

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Reese has been working on her game over the offseasonCredit: X@___lovelani

WNBA stars voiced concerns over safety after players were harassed while travelling commercial.

The league is listening, with a charter flight program announced ahead of the 2024 season.

“I am thrilled to see a significant change in policy that will permit and provide charter travel across all teams throughout the 2024 season and going forward,” said Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike.

“On behalf of the players, I express my appreciation and support for a bold move by the Commissioner and team governors that in turn shows that they understand and value the health and safety of the players. It is time to be transformational. It’s time to bet on women.”

If Unrivaled takes off – and there is no indication that the TNT Sports-backed product is going anywhere after its debut – more pressure will be put on WNBA execs to make the most of their talent.

Reese’s Rose Basketball team is one of four involved on opening night as they take on Vinyl BC.

“This is the exposure we deserve – being on TNT every night, being able to have access to watch our games, this is something that we deserve for a long time,” she added.

The inaugural players have all received equity, giving them an incentive to give the new format their all.

“Five years from now, this thing is going to be bigger than ever,” Reese declared.

Perhaps the only stumbling block for Unrivaled so far was failing to tempt Clark with a six-figure offer.

How much her absence hits viewership remains to be seen but there is plenty of excitement building ahead of Friday’s double-header with the Mist and Lunar Owls also in action.