Angel Reese and Dijonai Carrington Speak Out Against Criticism from New WNBA Fans

WNBA Stars Defend Themselves Against Fans’ Appearance Comments

WNBA players Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington have recently expressed their frustrations with criticism from newer fans of the league. This outburst occurred during an episode of Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” where the players opened up about the harsh comments directed at them following controversial interactions with athlete Caitlin Clark.

Recent Backlash Following Heated Competitions

Both Reese and Carrington have been targets of negative comments after several on-court incidents with Clark. Reese’s criticism dates back to the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game. In that match, Reese famously pointed to her finger in a mocking gesture after leading LSU to victory over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

In the subsequent WNBA season, Reese, alongside some of her Chicago Sky teammates, was involved in contentious matchups against Clark. This included a series of clashes that involved several controversial fouls throughout multiple games.

Voices of Discontent

During the podcast, Reese shared her feelings about the scrutiny she faces. She stated, “It’s hard, especially as two Black women being unapologetic. We’re going to pop our s— and say what we have to say. And I stand on what we said. I feel like it’s really hard.” This sentiment reflects the unique challenges that come with being upfront about their experiences as athletes.

Fellow player Carrington also faced significant backlash when her fingernail caused injury to Clark during a playoff match. This physical altercation drew an intense response from fans, leading Carrington to voice her concerns about the criticism directed toward her.

Critiques on Appearance Stirring Controversy

Both Reese and Carrington revealed that the harshest criticisms they receive often relate to their appearances rather than their athleticism. Reese voiced her displeasure about comments alleging she focuses excessively on her looks. She stated, “I hate when people say that, ‘Oh she’s too worried about her makeup and her hair and her lashes and her nails and her outfits.'” This highlights a persistent stereotype that female athletes must navigate.

While Carrington expressed that she is not as affected by appearance-related comments, she voiced her frustration about people questioning her choice to dye her hair blonde. “I hate when people talk about that, like, ‘Why do you have blonde hair?’ I got black eyebrows. I got black arm hair, black leg hair… and I don’t care. I’m still a natural blonde.” This statement underscores the pressures female athletes face regarding societal standards of beauty.

Double Standards in Female Sports

The discussion took a deeper turn when Reese pointed out the double standards faced by women in the WNBA. She noted, “They complain and say that WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough. We don’t dress cute enough. They don’t want to watch a bunch of little boys running around the court. Now, we’re too much.” This perception reveals the ongoing struggle female athletes encounter in balancing their athleticism with societal expectations of femininity.

Reese also mentioned how fans object to the style of WNBA players, stating, “‘I’m not watching that WNBA. Masculine, long shorts, they’re wearing braids. They all like each other. They all date each other.’ That’s not true,” laughing at the assumption that players are engaged in relationships with one another, specifically referencing her own relationship with fellow player NaLyssa Smith.

Finding Empowerment in Style

Despite the negativity, Reese remains proud of her personal expression. She quipped, “I don’t be getting it, like d— I can’t put a little lip gloss on?” This statement encapsulates her desire for individuality and self-expression amidst scrutiny.

Interestingly, Reese subtly indicated her opinions about Clark’s appearance during the discussion. She referred to the WNBA’s