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Angel Reese Gets Hit With Too Small Tauntby WNBA Rival

Angel Reese, the rising star forward for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, found herself at the center of yet another heated discussion in women's basketball following a contentious game against the New York Liberty. The incident in question unfolded during a matchup that saw Reese ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls in quick succession, but the broader narrative swirling around it highlighted a perceived double standard in how physical play is addressed in the league, particularly when compared to similar situations involving other high-profile players like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.

The game itself was a hard-fought battle, with the Liberty emerging victorious in a close contest. Reese, known for her tenacious rebounding and defensive prowess, was actively involved in the paint, battling for position against Liberty players. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Sky trailing and tensions running high, Reese was called for a foul while attempting to block a shot. The contact was deemed excessive by the officials, leading to her first technical foul. Moments later, as she expressed frustration—reportedly waving her hand dismissively at the referee—she was assessed a second technical, resulting in her automatic ejection. This left the Sky without one of their key contributors in the closing minutes, contributing to their defeat.

However, the ejection wasn't the sole focal point. The article delves deeply into the physicality Reese has endured throughout her young career, emphasizing that she "gets hit too," a pointed reference to the ongoing conversations about the treatment of rookies in the WNBA. Reese, a former LSU standout who helped lead her college team to a national championship, has quickly become a polarizing figure in the professional ranks. Her confident demeanor, trash-talking style, and unapologetic celebrations have drawn both admiration and criticism. Yet, amid the spotlight on how opponents have targeted other newcomers with aggressive play, the piece argues that Reese's experiences are often overlooked or downplayed.

To contextualize this, the narrative draws parallels to recent incidents involving Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick whose arrival has brought unprecedented attention to the league. Clark has faced several hard fouls, including a notable hip-check from Chicago's Chennedy Carter earlier in the season, which sparked widespread debate about player safety, veteran resentment toward rookies, and the physical demands of the WNBA. That foul on Clark was upgraded to a flagrant-1 after review, and it ignited discussions on social media, in sports talk shows, and even among league officials about protecting star players to grow the game's popularity.

In contrast, the article points out instances where Reese has been on the receiving end of similar or even more severe contact without the same level of outrage or protective measures. For example, during the same game against the Liberty, Reese was struck in the head by Jonquel Jones while going for a rebound. The contact appeared incidental but forceful, causing Reese to grab her head in pain. No foul was called on the play, and it went largely unnoticed in the immediate aftermath. The piece argues this exemplifies a disparity: when Clark is fouled hard, it becomes a national talking point, often framed as evidence of jealousy or hazing in the league. But when Reese, who is Black and has been vocal about her experiences as a woman of color in sports, faces physical challenges, the response is muted, sometimes even celebratory among critics who view her as "arrogant" or "deserving" of tough treatment.

This perceived double standard extends beyond individual games. The article explores the broader cultural and racial dynamics at play in women's basketball. Reese's rivalry with Clark dates back to their college days, particularly the 2023 NCAA championship game where Reese famously taunted Clark with the "you can't see me" gesture, a move borrowed from wrestler John Cena. That moment went viral, polarizing fans and amplifying narratives about sportsmanship, race, and gender. Clark, often portrayed as the wholesome, record-breaking phenom, has been positioned as the face of the WNBA's surge in popularity, with skyrocketing attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales attributed largely to her influence. Reese, meanwhile, has embraced a more brash persona, aligning herself with hip-hop culture, fashion, and unfiltered self-expression, which has endeared her to some fans while alienating others.

The ejection incident amplified these tensions. Post-game, Reese took to social media to express her frustration, subtly alluding to inconsistencies in officiating. Her coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, defended her player, stating that the second technical seemed unwarranted and that Reese was simply reacting emotionally to a tough call. Liberty players and coaches, on the other hand, downplayed the drama, focusing on their team's performance. But the online discourse exploded, with supporters of Reese highlighting videos of the head contact and questioning why it wasn't reviewed as a flagrant foul, while detractors accused her of poor sportsmanship and suggested she brought the ejection upon herself.

Delving deeper, the article examines the implications for the WNBA as a whole. The league is experiencing a boom, with charter flights finally implemented, expanded media deals, and a influx of talent from the college ranks. However, this growth has unearthed underlying issues, including how physicality is managed. Veterans argue that the WNBA has always been a tough, physical league, and rookies must earn their stripes. But with stars like Reese and Clark drawing massive audiences, there's pressure to ensure their safety to sustain interest. The piece suggests that ignoring the hits on Reese not only perpetuates inequality but also misses an opportunity to address player welfare comprehensively.

Reese's stats in the game—before her ejection—underscored her impact: she contributed significantly on both ends of the floor, grabbing rebounds and providing energy that kept the Sky competitive. Her season averages reflect her value as a double-double machine, often leading her team in points and boards. Yet, the narrative around her frequently shifts to off-court matters, from her fashion choices to her public feuds, rather than her on-court production.

The article also touches on Reese's resilience. Despite the scrutiny, she has remained a vocal advocate for mental health, body positivity, and equality in sports. In interviews, she has spoken about the toll of constant criticism, including racist and sexist attacks online, but she channels it into motivation. Following the ejection, Reese was seen in the locker room rallying her teammates, emphasizing team unity over individual setbacks.

Critics of the double-standard argument might point out that Clark has faced her share of uncalled fouls too, and that the attention disparity stems from marketability rather than bias. However, the piece counters this by noting how media framing influences public perception: Clark's incidents are often humanized, with empathy extended to her as a young player navigating a tough league, while Reese is frequently villainized, her actions dissected through a lens of "attitude problems."

Ultimately, the ejection and the surrounding discourse serve as a microcosm of larger conversations in women's sports. As the WNBA continues to evolve, balancing physical play with player protection will be crucial. For Reese, these moments are tests of character, opportunities to prove her mettle amid adversity. The article concludes by urging fans and analysts to recognize that all players, regardless of persona or background, deserve equitable treatment on the court. Reese gets hit too, and acknowledging that is essential for the league's integrity and growth.

This incident isn't isolated; it's part of a pattern that Reese has navigated since entering the league. From her draft night declaration of being "unapologetically me" to her on-court battles, she embodies a new wave of athletes who refuse to conform to traditional expectations. The head hit from Jones, while not malicious, symbolizes the everyday physicality she endures—elbows in the post, shoves under the basket, and the occasional uncalled cheap shot. In post-game analysis, experts noted that such contact is routine in the WNBA, but the lack of review or penalty raises questions about consistency.

Moreover, the article explores how Reese's ejection might affect her development. As a rookie, learning to manage emotions is key, and this could be a learning experience. Her veteran teammates, including stars like Kahleah Copper, have mentored her on staying composed under pressure. Yet, the piece argues that the league must also hold officials accountable for even-handed calls, ensuring that technicals aren't doled out disproportionately based on reputation.

In the broader scope, this event ties into the WNBA's efforts to market its stars. Reese has leveraged her platform for endorsements, appearing in ads and building a personal brand that resonates with younger fans. Her ability to draw crowds—Chicago games have seen increased attendance—mirrors Clark's impact, yet the narratives differ. By highlighting that Reese "gets hit too," the article calls for a more balanced view, one that celebrates the diversity of personalities driving the league forward.

As the season progresses, Reese and the Sky will face more challenges, including rematches with teams like the Liberty. How she responds to adversity will shape her legacy. For now, the ejection serves as a reminder that in the high-stakes world of professional basketball, physical and emotional resilience are as vital as skill. The WNBA's future depends on fostering an environment where all talents can thrive, free from undue bias or overlooked aggression. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Athlon Sports Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/angel-reese-gets-hit-too-001203779.html ]