Dawn Staley Champions Angel Reese Amidst WNBA Controversy

In the wake of a contentious on-court incident between WNBA rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, legendary coach Dawn Staley has voiced her support for Reese, emphasizing her outstanding performance and resilience.

During a recent game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, tensions escalated when Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese, leading to a heated exchange and subsequent technical fouls. The aftermath saw Reese subjected to alleged racial slurs from fans, prompting the WNBA to launch an investigation into the matter.

Staley, a prominent figure in women’s basketball, highlighted Reese’s exceptional contributions on the court, stating, “If I had to pick a Rookie of the Year at this time—today—it’s Angel. Not a doubt.” She acknowledged Clark’s impressive stats but emphasized Reese’s consistent double-doubles and leadership.

Both Reese and Clark have publicly condemned the inappropriate fan behavior, advocating for a respectful and inclusive environment in the league. Their mutual respect underscores the importance of unity and support among players, especially during challenging times.

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley’s new book is officially out, but while promoting the career milestone she was asked about a broader issue in women’s basketball.

Staley’s book, “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and Life Lessons I learned from All Three” is available for purchase. While on “The View” on May 20 to promote her book, Staley was asked about the on-going conversation regarding WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Clark, a guard on the Indiana Fever and Reese, a forward on the Chicago Sky, have met numerous times on the basketball court and a rivalry first began in the 2023 national championship when Reese and LSU beat Clark and Iowa.

In the third quarter of the Sky vs. Fever game on May 17, Clark was given a flagrant foul after shoving Reese to the ground on a layup attempt. Reese immediately got up and appeared to say something to Clark before other players and coaches de-escalated the situation.

“I want to ask you about a story that is in the news right now with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese,” The View’s co-host asked Staley. “At last week’s WNBA game, Caitlin fouled Angel and it looks like Angel kind of confronted her afterward. After that she faced a ton of racist and hateful comments, and the WNBA was quick to put out a statement condemning racism, discrimination in all forms, but what do you make of this whole controversy around it?”

Staley answered, “We need to take the lead of Caitlin, take the lead of Angel, they’ve gotten over it. They said, ‘It’s done, it’s basketball, let’s move on’ but if in my book, you’ll find the answers.”

On May 18, the WNBA released a statement saying it would look into allegations of racist and hateful speech but did not specify the allegations.

“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society.  We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter,” the league said in a statement.

Sources told IndyStar that “a report was filed to the league related to allegations of racist comments directed at Sky forward Angel Reese by fan(s) in the crowd.” The IndyStar reported that the alleged racist comments were not related to the flagrant foul.

Though Staley has been tied to South Carolina since 2008, her impact spans beyond just the SEC. She coached the U.S. women’s basketball team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is connected to many women’s basketball players past and present.

Sometimes Staley uses her own platform to comment as well, like she did when Clark was a rookie.

In May 2024, there were numerous discussions around Clark and physicality in the league, which prompted Staley to write on X urging those who are talking about the WNBA to make sure they watch more than just one or a few games.

“Hope all the ‘just talking heads’ are tuned into @WNBA games tonite and tomorrow and the next nite and so on…..so they can equip themselves with a deeper sense of this league. And all of these opinions are great but let it come from watching the entire league,” Staley wrote.

On July 13, Staley was asked by TMZSports who should win 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, to which Staley said, “They both are having great years – don’t get me wrong, if I had to pick a Rookie of the Year at this time … today, it’s Angel. Not a doubt. What she’s been able to do with the double-doubles.”

Clark got 66 of 67 rookie of the year votes and Reese received the other one.

Reese plays alongside former South Carolina star center Kamilla Cardoso on the Sky, and Clark plays alongside former South Carolina star forward Aliyah Boston on the Fever. There are nine former Staley players in the WNBA this season, spanning across seven different teams.