For many, the discussion around LSU’s national championship win against Iowa wasn’t about how impressive the Tigers played en route to the title. Instead, it was about how LSU’s Angel Reese celebrated the win.
Caitlin Clark wants to see that criticism stop.
Near the end of the game, Reese was spotted directing Clark’s own celebration back at her and pointing at her ring finger. When Clark talked trash and used that celebration against South Carolina, she didn’t face the criticism that Reese was experiencing. It marked a shameful double standard for white and Black athletes, and on Tuesday, Clark appeared on ESPN to defend Reese’s celebration.
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."
Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/i8tZyO8bai
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
She said:
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all. No matter which way it goes. She should never be criticized for what she did. I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everyone knew there was going to be a little trash talking the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel. So I don’t think she should be criticized, like I said. LSU deserves it. They played so well. Like I said, I’m a big fan of hers.”
Clark also added that trash talking should be embraced in women’s sports just as it is in men’s sports. The emotions make games more compelling, and it’s part of competition.
"Men have always had trash talk. … You should be able to play with that emotion. … That's how every girl should continue to play."
Caitlin Clark discussed if women are held to a different standard than men on @OTLonESPN. pic.twitter.com/JY7MWlOuVq
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
Fans appreciated that Clark spoke up to defend Reese.
This was how Twitter reacted
love to see it https://t.co/kwK20goOXm
— josie duffy rice (@jduffyrice) April 4, 2023
Once again another situation that shows the difference between people who have played sports and those who have never played on in their lives https://t.co/DtRYdNuQuH
— Tęrräñøvå (@TerranovaNoah) April 4, 2023
So can we stop now plz https://t.co/F8rfsDeHPo
— Ku🥷🏼 (@KuKhahil) April 4, 2023
Angel played hard. Clark played hard. End scene. https://t.co/KAPcjleOGu
— janashortal (@janashortal) April 4, 2023
Maybe everyone should just shut up and say thank you to these athletes https://t.co/w48NxXrgrZ
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) April 4, 2023
the way actual athletes talk about this stuff compared to dorks online is always illuminating https://t.co/mf1MgVZCQe
— leisure suit perry (@Yelix) April 4, 2023
How shocking that the actual elite athlete is not offended. https://t.co/62JEdQtRA7
— Joy Taylor (@JoyTaylorTalks) April 4, 2023
Conversation never should’ve gotten this big https://t.co/2j5q6IhgoI
— Vic Damone Jr (@wholesomefoxx) April 4, 2023
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are handling this like pros. Meanwhile, Twitter idiots continue to act like children. https://t.co/tv0n2BmNGc
— Dusty Harrah (@Dusty_Harrah) April 4, 2023
That should be the end of it, honestly.
