A heated exchange between WNBA star Angel Reese and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III erupted online Thursday, drawing fresh attention to the ongoing discourse surrounding race, rivalry, and media narratives in women’s basketball.
The situation began when Griffin responded to a disturbing image circulated on X (formerly Twitter) that depicted Reese, who is Black, as a monkey on a mock NBA 2K26 video game cover. The offensive image appeared to come from a fan who believed Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who is White, was more deserving of the game’s spotlight.
Griffin, known for his outspoken social commentary since his days as a Heisman-winning quarterback, condemned the post outright.
“There is no place for racism in this world,” he wrote, defending Reese against the racial slur. “Whether you like a player or not. Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a monkey.”
But Griffin’s attempt to address the situation didn’t stop there — and what followed quickly turned into a public feud.
In a follow-up post, Griffin claimed he had spoken with people close to Reese who allegedly confirmed the LSU alum holds resentment toward Caitlin Clark, largely due to persistent comparisons and media coverage centered around the Indiana Fever rookie.
“People in Angel’s inner circle called me and told me I was right,” Griffin wrote. “Angel Reese has grown to hate Caitlin Clark because of the media always asking her about Caitlin and being constantly compared to her.”
That assertion did not sit well with Reese.
The Chicago Sky forward, who has become one of the league’s most recognizable figures since entering the WNBA in 2023, issued a blunt denial.
“Lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work,” Reese posted on X, pushing back against Griffin’s statement.
Adding to the back-and-forth, Reese’s mother — also named Angel Reese — entered the conversation. She criticized Griffin’s remarks and rejected any notion that he had insight into her daughter’s views or personal circle.
“You is not in her circle 2 speak on her feelings towards a media/fandom made up beef,” she wrote. “Just stay on that side bc the doors are closed over here.”
Despite mounting pushback from Reese and her family, Griffin stood by his claims, continuing to insist that his commentary was rooted in concerns over how media narratives have shaped public perception around both players.
Context and Background
The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark dates back to their iconic showdown in the 2023 NCAA national championship game, where Reese’s taunting gestures toward Clark sparked national debate. Since then, the two players have become central figures in conversations about the growth of women’s basketball, often compared in terms of impact, performance, and personality.
Clark, who now plays for the Indiana Fever, has drawn record-setting viewership and sold-out arenas in her rookie season. Reese, meanwhile, remains a powerful force both on the court and in the cultural conversation, especially among Black athletes and fans who see her as a symbol of unapologetic confidence.
While both players have acknowledged the comparisons, neither has confirmed any personal animosity — making Griffin’s post especially controversial.
Bal Leagues Takeaway
The public exchange between Reese and Griffin highlights the growing pains of a league gaining more exposure, where narratives are amplified in real time and reputations can shift with a single tweet.
As women’s basketball enters a new era of visibility, the challenge for media, fans, and former athletes alike will be to support that growth without fueling unnecessary divisions or baseless rumors.
Fans’ Corner
Social media has been divided in reaction to the Reese-Griffin feud. Some users praised Griffin for standing up against racism, while others criticized him for speaking out on matters they believe should have remained private or unsupported by direct evidence.
One user commented, *“Griffin started with a valid point about racism, but lost credibility when he claimed insider knowledge.”* Another wrote, *“Reese has every right to be tired of always being mentioned with Clark — they’re different players, different stories.”*
Social Media Buzz
The hashtag #AngelReese trended nationwide within hours of the online exchange, with over 250,000 posts engaging with the topic by Friday morning. Public figures, fans, and media personalities all weighed in, reflecting the polarizing nature of the subject.
