“That’s the only thing people wanted to talk about when we just went on this magical run and united so many people, and that, like, was frustrating to me.”
The images show LSU’s Angel Reese giving Iowa’s Caitlin Clark several taunting gestures as time ticked down during the 2023 women’s college basketball national championship will be the ones remembered most about the game.
The rivalry between the players and programs became a central storyline over the last two seasons. In retrospect, Clark wishes the media focus had been more on their personal accomplishments and less on creating narratives about them.
Clark discussed her frustration in ESPN/ABC’s docuseries Full Court Press, which debuted this past weekend.
AD
That’s the only thing people wanted to talk about when we just went on this magical run and united so many people, and that, like, was frustrating to me,” Clark said.
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder had a much more blunt take on the situation, saying “The media was trying to create a circus out of racial things, out of trying to make hatred come up, and she [Clark] just wouldn’t let it happen.”
AD
Both Clark and Reese would later say that Reese’s gestures were a welcomed part of the competition between them and there was no personal animus between them off the court.
“Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. It’s just a super competitive game,” Reese said in April before their Elite Eight rematch. “Once I get between those lines, there’s no friends. I have plenty of friends on the court that I talk to outside of the game, but like when I get between those lines, we’re not friends. We’re not buddies. I’m going to talk trash to you. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it.”
It was also noted at the time that while Reese’s usage of the “You can’t see me” gesture received a lot of backlash and commentary, Clark’s use of the same gesture in Iowa’s Final Four win over Louisville was not. That led to a lot of discussion around the racial aspects of the divided coverage and the double standards that seemed to be in play.
AD
The good news for both basketball players is that they now get to compete in the WNBA, meaning those epic college basketball games will be only the start of the story they’re still writing.
News
“No bloody joke”: Temi Fagbenle gained social media admiration for defending Caitlin Clark and criticizing Chennedy Carter’s actions, exciting fans.
“No bloody joke”: Caitlin Clark’s teammate, Temi Fagbenle, has earned widespread admiration on social media for speaking out against Chennedy Carter’s undisciplined actions towards Clark. Fagbenle’s candid and strong defense of her teammate has struck a chord with fans and…
‘Wameh doing and Wameh things’: Despite advocating for “Women Empowerment,” they criticize Caitlin, claiming she doesn’t do anything that the other girls can’t do, so they have a right to be upset.
In the fast-paced world of basketball, where athleticism and skill are celebrated, there exists a paradoxical situation within the realm of “Women Empowerment.” Despite the rhetoric surrounding support for women in sports, there are instances where female athletes face criticism…
Teresa Weatherspoon Praises Angel Reese for Courageously Overcoming ‘Harsh Media Criticism’ That Made Many Angry and ‘Spout Profanity’
The dark side of popularity really exists. Not many would know this better than Chicago’s rookie Angel Reese. From her very entry into the LSU Tigers to her everyday moves, she has known what it feels like to be under…
Gabbie Marshall and Caitlin Clark: 5 Instances Where the Former Iowa Duo Showcased Their Heartwarming Friendship in the 2024 WNBA Season
Caitlin Clark and Gabbie Marshall’s best moments. The former Iowa star hooper Caitlin Clark has made her way to the WNBA as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft class. Accompanied by her other talented teammates like Gabbie Marshall…
Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve is fed up with the hype surrounding Caitlin Clark, and might not want her on Olypic squad. How stupid! Dismissing Clark’s impact seems shortsighted, as she’s drawing unprecedented attention to the league.
Indiana Fever star and 2024 WNBA No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark‘s popularity continues to grow and it’s to a point that even the current legendary WNBA coaches are a bit annoyed with the media and corporate infatuation with the NCAA’s…
WNBA officiating needs to dial back the physicality that often overshadows the players’ talent. Did you read the Fever’s coach’s comments about Caitlin Clark being absolutely exhausted and she thought she was going to have to go on the court and help her to the bench she was so tired??
The issue of physicality in WNBA officiating has come under scrutiny recently, with concerns that it often overshadows the players’ talent. The comments made by the Fever’s coach regarding Caitlin Clark’s exhaustion highlight the demanding nature of the WNBA and…
End of content
No more pages to load
