ANDY LYONSAFP

It would be fair to say that last Saturday’s game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever caused quite a stir. From the heavy foul that the Fever’s Caitlin Clark received to the war of words that has since ensued because of it, there’s been a lot to unpack, not the least of which is Angel Reese’s latest comments.

Angel Reese breaks silence about Caitlin Clark incident

By now you would have seen our report about the hard hit that the Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter bestowed on the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. You would have also seen our report about teammate Angel Reese and her apparent endorsement of Carter’s foul which was in turn followed by a fine for both herself and the Sky after she refused to speak with the media following the game. This brings us to Reese’s comments on Monday, when she explained that she is in fact happy to “take the bad guy role” if it results in continued growth for the women’s game.

Reese was of course seen clapping and hugging Carter after she gave Clark a body check during the third quarter of a game that the Fever won narrowly 71-70. Understandably, there was widespread debate on social media regarding Reese’s reaction but it’s something that the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 Draft doesn’t seem to be bothered by. Speaking with reporters on Monday, the Sky’s rookie didn’t back down. “Look where women’s basketball is. People are talking about women’s basketball that you never would think would be talking about women’s basketball. People are pulling up to games, we got celebrities coming to games, sold out arenas, just because of [the 2023 NCAA championship game]. “And just looking at that, I’ll take that role. I’ll take the bad guy role, and I’ll continue to take that on and be that for my teammates.”

For the purpose of context, it’s worth noting that Reese and Clark have a history. Indeed, her reference to the 2023 NCAA championship is pertinent in that it was in that game that one could say their rivalry was born. With Reese leading LSU to victory over Clark’s Iowa in the championship game, she was seen taunting the Hawkeyes star, a move that drew heavy criticism from some corners at that time.

With that, Reese continued as she explained that for her it’s about more than just one individual drawing increased attention to the WNBA, something that has been largely attributed to Caitlin Clark. Instead, it’s about the collective, something she would like to see highlighted. “I’ll look back in 20 years and be like, ‘Yeah, the reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me too,’ and I want y’all to realize that. It’s not just because of one person. A lot of us have done so much for this game, and Chennedy has been here before, obviously, but there are so many great players in this league that have deserved this for a really, really long time, and luckily, it’s coming now.”

OK, but what about Chennedy Carter

Given the way in which she fouled Clark and her refusal to answer questions about the incident after the game, it should come as no surprise that the Sky star was defiant when speaking on the situation on Monday, Carter made it clear that she had “no regrets” about her foul on Clark before going on to talk about intensity and competitiveness. This, however, is interesting when considering the comments from Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon who also addressed the controversy on Monday in an official statement, explaining that she had spoken with Carter about it.

Celebrities/Boston Celtics fans

“Physical play, intensity, and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball. Chennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are. Chennedy understands that there are better ways to handle situations on the court, and she will learn from this as we all will. As a team, we will grow together and continue to work hard to display strong leadership and set a positive example for our competitors, fans, and partners.”

Ultimately, there is a lot to consider when it comes to Clark’s introduction to the WNBA and the subsequent effect that it has had. On one side, there is no way to deny the level of attention that her presence has brought to the league, with viewership ratings going through the roof. On the other, it’s completely understandable that many around the league will likely feel hard done given how long and hard they have all been plying their trade. Yet, one has to admit, playing with intensity and a competitive spirit is one thing, but one should always do so with the rules in mind. At any rate, the Sky and Fever will meet each other four more times before the season is through. Something tells us each and every one of those games is going to be a must-watch and isn’t that a good thing for everybody involved?