Author: lehang1

Many are eager to see Chicago Sky star Angel Reese back in action after injuring her wrist in the final stretch of her rookie year in the WNBA.

While the new season won’t start until May, Reese will suit up in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league in January. She will play for Rose BC with Chelsea Gray and Lexie Hull, among others.

The 22-year-old Reese helped the WNBA reach unprecedented heights this season with her popularity and charm, making her one of the most recognized players.

But despite their contributions, some have continued to spew negative remarks about her. In an episode of the “Club 520” podcast hosted by former NBA guard Jeff Teague, guest and influencer Charleston White made lewd comments about Reese, including starting an account on a popular adult site.

It didn’t sit well with Las Vegas Aces guard Sydney Colson, who called out Teague and his co-hosts for still putting out the episode despite the insulting comments of White.

Warning: The linked video contains language some readers may find offensive

“Having an ignorant (expletive) sexist on and then actually dropping the episode and then wanting to collab with the W is craaazy work lmao,” wrote Colson on X.

The two-time WNBA champion’s post earned support from fans. Some called the episode “disgusting” and Teague, a one-time NBA All-Star, an “idiot.”

“Cook those frauds for me, Syd,” added one fan.

The WNBA and its players have repeatedly called out the sexist, racist and misogynistic remarks thrown at them.

In an episode of Reese’s “Unapologetically Angel” podcast in October, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made suggestive remarks toward the Sky forward.

Despite the heavy backlash, O’Neal didn’t apologize and even claimed that “everything I do is planned.”

Riley Gaines Criticizes Brittney Griner Over National Anthem Protest: “Show Respect for the Country That Saved You”

Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and vocal advocate for fairness in sports, has taken aim at WNBA star Brittney Griner over her decision to kneel during the national anthem. Gaines, known for her strong stance on patriotism and sports ethics, did not hold back in her criticism, stating, “You don’t have to sing, but you should show respect for the country that pulled you from the fire.”

Gaines’ remarks come in the wake of Griner’s continued protest during the national anthem, a gesture the basketball star has used to bring attention to social justice issues. However, Gaines’ pointed comment alludes to Griner’s harrowing detainment in Russia last year, where she was imprisoned for months on drug-related charges. Her release was secured through a high-profile prisoner exchange negotiated by the U.S. government, a move that drew both praise and controversy.

For Gaines, Griner’s actions during the anthem are seen as a contradiction, given the efforts made by the United States to bring her home. “It’s not about agreeing with everything this country does,” Gaines elaborated in a recent interview. “It’s about acknowledging the sacrifices and the freedoms that allow us to express ourselves in the first place.”

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has often used her platform to address systemic inequality and social justice. Her decision to kneel during the anthem is a continuation of this advocacy, aligning her with other athletes who have taken similar stances in recent years. However, this act has also made her a polarizing figure, particularly among those who view it as disrespectful to the nation and its values.

The debate surrounding Griner’s protest reflects a broader cultural divide in America. Supporters argue that kneeling during the anthem is a peaceful and powerful form of protest, a way to spotlight ongoing issues of inequality and injustice. Critics, like Gaines, see it as a failure to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

While Griner has not directly responded to Gaines’ criticism, her stance on the anthem has remained consistent. In previous interviews, she has emphasized that her protests are not meant to disrespect the military or the nation but to advocate for meaningful change.

As this debate continues to unfold, it highlights the complexities of patriotism, activism, and the role of athletes in addressing societal issues. Whether one agrees with Griner’s actions or Gaines’ critique, the conversation underscores the enduring tension between individual expression and collective national identity.

Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell has shared a heartfelt tribute to her teammate Caitlin Clark, although she admits the “spotlight” brought by the rookie sensation has been challenging.

Clark was selected No. 1 overall in this year’s WNBA Draft and went on to be named the Rookie of the Year after a record-breaking debut season. The guard’s success in college with Iowa already made her a transcendent star, and her mainstream status only grew in her first season as a professional.

Clark, 22, helped spark a dramatic upturn in viewing figures for the WNBA as part of a talented and charismatic rookie class. For the most part, she has let her play do the talking, overcoming a difficult start to finish the season averaging 19 points and eight assists per game – leading the Fever to a 20-20 record and a short-lived playoff run in the process.

Two-time All-Star guard Mitchell, 29, has opened up on her “respect” for Clark. She wrote in The Players’ Tribune: “And I have so much respect for Caitlin, especially, and how she handled it as a youngin’.

“I hope we did a good job of being there for you, too, C. I gave her her flowers early in the game because the eyes she brought shined a light on all of us, too.”

But Mitchell says with greater attention as a result of Clark’s arrival came greater scrutiny – something that was particularly challenging as she grieved following the sudden death of her father aged 56.

“We obviously had a new spotlight on us, with Caitlin being drafted, who I’m proud to call a teammate. That was exciting in its own way, with the fans it brought to the arena, and the opportunity it gave our squad,” Mitchell explained.

“But I think, in a weird way, the outside noise kind of made people forget sometimes that we’re still human, if that makes sense? The microscope got smaller and smaller, and I don’t think anybody was really thinking about the fact that my dad just died, or Katie Lou [Samuelson] is a mom trying to figure out motherhood and being a WNBA pro all in one, you know? We all had real things we were going through.

“I’ll be honest, the spectacle was unsettling sometimes. Some of the newer fans have been really hateful online to the incredible women in our league, and to me and our Fever players as well.

“But we leaned on each other to get through it. There were moments throughout the season when Katie Lou checked on me, and I checked on her. Kristy Wallace was there for me in Chicago, when I couldn’t hold back my emotions about my dad during shootaround, and she noticed and gave me a safe space to just bawl my eyes out.”

Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson gave Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA its flowers during a recent interview.

On September 29, Chicago Sky superstar Angel Reese was spotted attending the Baltimore Ravens’ NFL home game against the Buffalo Bills and had a wholesome interaction with one of the Ravens’ best players.

Reigning NFL MVP and Ravens franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson was elite that day, throwing for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown in what ended up being a 35-10 win for Baltimore.

Perhaps Reese (who is a Maryland native and appears to be a Ravens fan) was inspired by this fantastic performance from Jackson. Then again, given his comments during an interview with ESSENCE that was released on December 25, it might have been Jackson who was inspired by Reese that day.

When ESSENCE Sports host Sharí Nycole asked Jackson what women’s sports he’s excited about right now, Jackson said, “Basketball, the WNBA”.

He then discussed how he hasn’t always been a women’s basketball fan but has recently become so. Jackson later added, “Now, on a high level, I’m seeing Angel Reese, I’m seeing Caitlin [Clark], I’m seeing all these girls just go crazy now. It’s inspiring. Other girls can grow up and play basketball… they can play basketball, play some sports.”

Jackson then reiterated, “Women’s sports is going crazy right now, and I’m inspired by it.”

It’s cool to hear one of football’s biggest and most successful superstars giving his flowers to Reese, Clark, and the rest of the WNBA in what has been a banner year for the entire sport of women’s basketball.

Anthony Edwards is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Minnesota Timberwolves star found himself in hot water yet again for his colorful language during media appearances. The NBA recently slapped him with a $100,000 fine for inappropriate language during his on-court interview in Houston.

This penalty was announced by Joe Dumars, the league’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. And with that, it seems like the NBA is serious about cleaning up its image.

During a celebratory moment following a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets on December 27, Edwards let loose.  He put out a string of expletives that quickly became the talk of the town.

But what did he say?

“All I knew was, the play was for Ju to go 14… Once he picked it up, sh*t, who else? I gotta go get it. Sh*t… Sh*t, I’m going for the win. Like Gilbert Arenas said, I don’t do overtime, so f**k it!” Edwards said during the said interview.

This incident follows a previous $75,000 penalty for a similar offense just weeks prior. This isn’t an isolated incident, either. The NBA has recently ramped up its efforts to hold players accountable for their words. LaMelo Ball was fined just weeks earlier for making homophobic comments.

We all know Edwards for his lively personality and charismatic playstyle, but this fine could serve as a wake-up call. And at a time when the league is clearly in a no-joke mode, it would be better if the star guard keeps himself away from such incidents. However, the NBA’s decision to penalize ANT is not sitting well with Edwards’ fans. They are ripping the officials off for their decision.

Anthony Edwards’ Fans Slams NBA Officials Over Massive Fine

While the authority to sanction a player for his actions is ultimately in the NBA officials’ hands, social media fans know no boundaries. If they think a decision is not justifiable based on their views, they will go after it. That is exactly what happened in Anthony Edwards’ case.

“Yall fined a player 100k for making him do an interview 40 seconds after the game ended where he made a game winning shot and his energy is still high and that’s how he talks everyday? Y’all got problems,” a fan made his point.

“Yall literally posted videos on your official nba page but you fining the man 6 figures??” another fan commented

“THIS is why your ratings are down,” a user quipped.

“Then remove the video from your social channels since it’s such a problem,” a fan suggested.

“WhY iS ViEwErShIp DoWn.” Because the league treats these grown men like kids. Can’t say anything or show emotion in interviews. Can’t taunt or flex or stare down after a dunk or block…. Professional sports is entertainment, let them entertain us,” another user wrote.

While most of the comments resonate with Edwards’ emotions and calling out the league, the picture is different. The NBA is navigating an unsettling tide. The ratings are down, rules are changing, fans are shouting for every inch, and the on-court drama is known to all. Like every other transformative change, the league will also have to go through all of it.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made an important roster move. They traded D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. The Lakers are strengthening their defensive end with this deal.

They signed Finney-Smith to create more space for stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as he boasts a career-high 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc this season. Interestingly, Dorian is the only player in the NBA this season who has defended guards, forwards, and centers for a minimum of 15 half-court matchups per game, as reported by Second Spectrum.

In contrast, Shake Milton joins the Lakers as a valuable bench option. He averaged 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in limited playing time with the Nets. While Russell’s departure leaves a gap in the starting point guard position, Milton’s addition offers depth and the potential to be a spark off the bench. This restructured lineup also sees Finney-Smith likely stepping into a prominent role and enhancing both the offense and defense.

With key players like Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis still firmly in place, the Lakers aim to build a more cohesive unit. Unfortunately, this trade marks the end of Russell’s time with the Lakers, where he struggled to live up to expectations. He averaged just 12.4 points and shied away from his career numbers. The deal, which involved sending three second-round picks in 2027, 2030, and 2031 to Brooklyn, comes as the Lakers look to enhance their lineup.

Dorian Finney-Smith’s Trade To The Lakers Sparks Buzz On Social Media

This trade is not a blockbuster trade by any measure. And there will still be a lot to be sorted on the Lakers side. However, it has injected a new sense of positivity among the LA fans and they are in full swing on the internet.

“And they gave barely nothing for him, rob pelinka with the trade of the decade,” a fan wrote.

“It’s scary hours for the NBA,” another fan wrote.

“Their Ceiling got upgraded From 1st Round exit to 2nd Round Exit at Best Great Job,” a user added.

“Where’s the offense going to come from? I get defense is important, but you have Rui and Venderbilt in the same position. Lakers needed a defensive center to help AD,” a fan asked.

“Lakers grabbing all these role players lol…Lakers just gotta ride the wave till Antman becomes a FA and build around him,” another user added.

Although, Dorian Finney-Smith is stepping into a pivotal role with the Lakers. It’s clear they see him as a key piece for their future. With Cam Reddish failing to establish himself offensively, Finney-Smith’s impressive shooting offers a much better option for spacing and scoring.

What’s even more exciting is how well Finney-Smith fits into the Lakers’ starting lineup. At 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, he adds the size and strength that the team has been looking for. This new addition will allow them to be more versatile against modern NBA offenses.

In the year of Caitlin Clark, no one comes close. Yes, A’ja Wilson won the MVP, and Napheesa Collier the Defensive Player of the Year. Yes, it was actually the New York Liberty and not Clark’s Indiana Fever that won the Finals. And yet, the point guard continues to bring in the honors even deep into the offseason. After earning Athlete of the Year honors from both TIME magazine and the Associated Press, she’s now giving competition to bother Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu in a literal game of cards.

In the Goldin December Elite WNBA card battle, it was just reported that the Indiana Fever star outsold both the Aces and Liberty stars. Where A’ja Wilson Signatures GV 1/1 sold for $915, the Sabrina Ionescu Color Blast SSP cards went for $2,319. As for Indiana’s No. 22? The reigning league ROTY’s five cards accounted for $216,672 of the total $219,906 WNBA card sales.

Here is the breakdown –

Caitlin Clark Black Gold Auto 1/5 – $12,322
Caitlin Clark Sparks Patch 1/1 – $13,420
Caitlin Clark Selections GV 1/1 – $40,870
Caitlin Clark Concourse BF 1/1 – $52,460
Caitlin Clark Signatures BF 1/1 – $97,600

If you combine Wilson and Ionescu’s card sale value and compare it with Clark’s total, it amounts to the Fever guard having a $21.34K advantage. With over $200K in WNBA cards sold in a single auction, there is a clear winner here!

The collectibles brand, which boasts “over $1.5 billion worth of sales of rare and highly sought-after collectible items” per their official website, is also an official auction partner of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

As has been already established by season-end reports, not only did Clark drive more audiences to arenas and viewers to their TVs, but the “Caitlin Clark effect” also resulted in increased merchandise sales.

Interestingly, according to eBay, searches for “WNBA” items increased 110% during this season as compared to 2023. While Clark leads the charts as one of their five most searched athletes across all sports, women’s or men’s, Ionescu and Wilson rank in the top 5, along with one natural entry and the other slightly surprising.

Caitlin Clark finds herself in the company of rivals in eBay’s top 5 WNBA player list

Where the Des Moines native is No. 1 on the list, the next spot is occupied by a familiar face – Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. Given how one reason for increased attention on Clark was because of her rivalry with LSU’s Lady Tigers star, her entry is not surprising.

Even in the W, Reese had a record-breaking rookie year with a new record for rebounds per game (13.1 per game), double-doubles for a rookie (26), and the most offensive rebounds (172).

Third on eBay’s most searched WNBA players for this season was Ionescu, who might not have had the best season overall but did have her moments in the Finals vs. the Lynx.

Fourth on the list is A’ja Wilson, which might be surprising for the 3x MVP who also became the first WNBA player to record 1,000 points in a season. No. 5 is her LV Aces teammate, Kelsey Plum, who won the gold at the Olympics with No. 3 and No. 4 on the list.

In any case, these sales are only going to go up as the W gains more popularity and the market for their merch sales grows, in some part thanks to Caitlin Clark. It might be the Fever star at the forefront for now but the butterfly effect of her popularity is palpable!

Angel Reese has been making waves since her time at LSU, not only for her impressive performances but also for the strong personal brand she’s built. The Chicago star is known for speaking out on important issues, even launching her own podcast in September to create a platform for her voice. Recently, however, she brought attention back to an old message while staying quiet about a new drama surrounding her.

The Sky forward re-shared a tweet she posted back in April, which simply said, “protect young women in sports!!!” While the message was brief, Reese’s decision to bring it up again after eight months leaves many wondering what prompted her to resurface this statement now.

A role model for young girls, Reese’s message seems to coincide with internet personality Charleston White’s offensive remark about her during his appearance on Jeff Teague’s podcast. The Chicago Sky star, however, has been silent on the instance so far.

However, the ‘Chi-Town Barbie’ has consistently shown her support for empowering young girls in the past. Earlier in an exclusive with People, the 22-year-old shared some great advice for young girls balancing their love for sports and the entertainment industry.

“It’s okay to do both, and know that women don’t have to be put into a box where they have to do one specific thing.” Reese had told People. In fact, she has also mentioned how motivating the younger generation keeps her going, which is why she  started a foundation dedicated to empowerment.

Angel Reese reflects on her responsibility as a role model

During a September practice with the Chicago Sky, Reese opened up about what it’s like to be an inspiration for young girls. She shared how it feels to be in the spotlight and talked about the responsibilities that come with being a role model.

“It gives me an expression to keep going every day. I mean, every day is not gonna be easy but just being able to wake up but somebody is looking at me, somebody is looking at my social media. Like, how can I be here be one day. So, that’s why I try to be as positive as I can all the time and just being there for people. I just remember when I was younger, had people, but not many pros to look up to that I can actually connect with. So, I wanna be that person that they wanna connect a lot too,” Reese had shared.

After winning the NCAA championship with LSU, Reese announced the launch of the Angel C. Reese Foundation. The foundation focuses on empowering girls and women through sports, education, financial literacy, and more. She shared that the goal behind starting her foundation was to create equal opportunities for young women, especially in areas where they’ve often been overlooked.

Her foundation aims to provide equal opportunities for young women and underrepresented groups through various initiatives. These include programs designed to tackle systemic challenges and resources that empower the next generation of girls to thrive in sports and successfully navigate life beyond.

Reese continues to inspire and empower young women, showing how sports, education, and leadership can create a brighter future. However, the reason behind her recent message still remains unclear.

Caitlyn Clark, the most talked-about player in WNBA history, has captivated fans and broken records, creating a huge impact both on and off the court. She has become an icon, responsible for a significant portion of the league’s revenue, breaking 62 records, and lighting up arenas with her incredible talent.

Her rise to fame was swift, with fans flocking to her games, and she has not only exceeded expectations but has also rewritten the rules of the game. From her incredible college career at Iowa, where she averaged 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, to her successful transition into the WNBA, Clark has been nothing short of spectacular.

Her style of play is electrifying—deep three-pointers, exceptional passes, and a basketball IQ that has fans on the edge of their seats. It’s no wonder she helped Iowa sell out games during her final season and has continued that success into her WNBA career. Clark’s debut season was groundbreaking, with her leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. She shattered attendance records and played in a way that left everyone talking about her. The accolades followed quickly: Clark was named to the All-WNBA First Team, Rookie of the Year, and even Athlete of the Year by Time magazine.

Despite her immense success, not everyone has embraced Clark’s meteoric rise. While she has garnered widespread admiration, some people, including figures within the basketball world, have voiced their frustrations with her success. The backlash has been unexpected, especially from those who would normally be expected to support her.

Yet, amid this controversy, one voice stands out in her defense—her former teacher, Lisa Blutter. Blutter has spoken out against the criticism, emphasizing why the backlash is unjust and what it means for the future of women’s basketball. She argues that Clark’s achievements are not just personal triumphs but also monumental for the entire sport, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting a new standard for future generations of women in basketball.

Since the beginning of the season, the Indiana Fever has been at the center of attention from the media and fans due to some shocking statements. Recently, basketball legend Cheryl Swoopes made waves across the sports community with her controversial remarks about the team, particularly about the chaos in the Fever’s locker room and the alleged neglect of star player Kelsey Mitchell. However, are these statements truly reflective of the situation at hand?

Swoopes stunned everyone when she claimed that the Indiana Fever locker room was in disarray. According to her, there are key players on the team who no longer want to stay, which raised a lot of eyebrows. She even revealed that Mitchell, one of the team’s brightest stars, is being overlooked and forgotten, despite having an impressive season. Her remarks became even more intense as she mentioned the departure of former coach Christy Sides under dramatic and unprofessional circumstances.

However, these statements seem to contradict what fans and experts have witnessed from the Fever so far. The team’s celebratory images, the seamless plays from the players, and the noticeable improvement in Kelsey Mitchell’s performance do not align with the idea of a team that is divided or facing major difficulties. Many in the sports community believe that Swoopes may be trying to draw attention and stir up trouble, while the information she shared is not entirely accurate.

The rebuttals from players like Lexi Hull, who recently spoke out against Swoopes’ comments, show a completely different picture. Lexi Hull emphasized that the Fever’s locker room is a place full of unity and mutual support, where fun moments between teammates are essential. She shared a story about a practice session when Caitlyn Clark lightened the mood with a funny remark during a tense moment, which not only shows the team’s bond but also how closely connected the players are, with no signs of division or conflict.

Despite the strong criticisms aimed at Mitchell, the reality is that Kelsey Mitchell is having an outstanding season, achieving exceptional statistics, and becoming one of the key figures on the team. She has not only delivered impressive shots but is also developing great chemistry with Caitlyn Clark, a new addition to the team. This demonstrates that Mitchell is not only valued but is a crucial part of the Fever’s future strategy.

It’s also worth noting the strong backing from Indiana Fever’s leadership, including President Kelly Kracoff, who emphasized that Kelsey Mitchell is a top priority for the team and one of the most important players for the Fever’s future. This statement further strengthens Mitchell’s career and disproves the accusations of her being overlooked.

Cheryl Swoopes may have gone too far with her remarks and stirred attention with unfounded claims. However, she’s not the only one creating drama in the sports industry. Some experts suggest that former athletes sometimes make controversial statements to maintain public attention, and Swoopes might be doing just that. Regardless, the reality is that the Indiana Fever, through everything happening both on and off the court, remains a unified and promising team.

In conclusion, what fans and players have shared suggests that the Indiana Fever is not in the chaotic state that Swoopes described. In fact, the team is united, with a strong coaching staff and players like Kelsey Mitchell showing significant growth. Swoopes may have been wrong in her statements about the Fever, and the truth is slowly being revealed through the stories of the team’s very own members.