Jemele Hill Defends Angel Reese: “She’s Not the Villain” in Rising Caitlin Clark Rivalry
The Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark rivalry has been one of the most talked-about narratives in women’s basketball, captivating fans since their unforgettable clash in the 2023 NCAA National Championship game. Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, and Reese famously taunted Clark with a “you can’t see me” gesture during the closing moments—a move that generated widespread debate but was ultimately embraced by Clark herself as part of the competitive spirit of the game.
Fast forward to the WNBA, where the rivalry has taken on new dimensions. A recent flagrant foul by Clark against Reese during Saturday’s game reignited discussions about their dynamic, challenging the notion that there is no rivalry between the two young phenoms. However, former ESPN host Jemele Hill has stepped into the conversation, offering a nuanced perspective on the media’s portrayal of Reese and the broader cultural implications surrounding the rivalry.
Jemele Hill Speaks Out: “Angel Reese Is Not the Villain”
Jemele Hill, a seasoned journalist and cultural commentator, addressed the Reese-Clark rivalry in a segment on her YouTube channel, “Spolotics.” Hill argued that the narrative surrounding Reese has been unfairly shaped by cultural biases, particularly against Black athletes.
“This is ultimately a conversation about cultural competency,” Hill said. “Angel Reese’s very existence rubs a lot of people the wrong way. No one knows for sure how she feels about Caitlin Clark, but what we do know from Angel Reese’s own public comments is that she feels a way that she isn’t given more credit for how she also has added to the popularity of women’s basketball in this moment.”
Hill pointed out that Black athletes are often portrayed negatively by the media, facing stereotypes that frame them as cocky, arrogant, or troublemakers when they express confidence or speak their minds.
“If Black athletes are confident, they’re considered cocky and arrogant. If they speak their mind, they’re considered troublemakers or ungrateful—same tropes, different day,” Hill added.
A Rivalry in Perspective
Hill also addressed the way Reese and Clark’s rivalry is perceived compared to rivalries in men’s sports. She argued that fans and media should treat the competitiveness between Reese and Clark as they would any other sports rivalry, without overanalyzing every interaction or assigning moral labels to either athlete.
“In sports, we love drama. We love the idea of athletes having to go through something. … We also love fiery competitors and athletes who talk their s–t and back it up,” Hill said. “But when it comes to women, or more specifically these two women, we are struggling to see them as just two highly competitive athletes who often are in a position of having to compete for the same things.”
Hill emphasized that whether Reese and Clark like each other or not should be irrelevant to the enjoyment of the WNBA season.
“Angel Reese is not the villain in Caitlin Clark’s story, no more than Caitlin Clark is the savior in hers. Every interaction between them is not a think piece. If there are hard fouls, rough language and things get spicy, so be it. If you have no problem when male athletes compete hard against one another or expose their pettiness, do us all a favor and apply that same energy so we can actually enjoy this WNBA season,” Hill said.
Angel Reese’s Perspective
Angel Reese herself has been vocal about her role in the growing popularity of women’s basketball, asserting that the increased viewership is “because of me, too” and “not just one person.” Reese’s confidence in her impact on the sport has been met with both praise and criticism, further fueling the debate about her portrayal in the media.
Recently, Reese reposted a TikTok claiming she was “unsafe” while playing in Indiana, following allegations of hateful speech from Indiana Fever fans. The WNBA investigated the claims but ultimately found them “not substantiated.” Reese has also previously stated that Fever and Iowa fans have been racist toward her, adding another layer to the rivalry’s cultural context.
Despite the drama surrounding their interactions, Reese and Clark were teammates during last year’s WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing their ability to coexist on the court even amidst the rivalry narrative.
The Bigger Picture
The Reese-Clark rivalry is more than just a clash between two talented athletes—it’s a reflection of broader societal issues in sports, including the way Black athletes are portrayed compared to their White counterparts. Jemele Hill’s commentary challenges fans and media to reevaluate their biases and approach the rivalry with the same energy and enthusiasm they would for male athletes.
As the WNBA season unfolds, Reese and Clark’s competitiveness will undoubtedly continue to draw attention. But as Hill suggests, it’s time to move beyond the think pieces and simply enjoy the fiery spirit of two of the game’s brightest stars. Whether they hate each other or not, Reese and Clark are shaping the future of women’s basketball—and that’s something worth celebrating.
