Chicago Sky star Angel Reese calls for re-ranking after Caitlin Clark is named Athlete of the Year: 'Zero vote for Angel Reese? Are you kidding me?' (PO)

Reese Speaks Out: “Zero Vote for Angel Reese? Are You Kidding Me?”

Angel Reese has never been one to shy away from expressing her emotions, and her recent reaction to being left off a prestigious ballot is no exception. The Chicago Sky star took to social media to voice her outrage, posting a fiery message: “Zero vote for Angel Reese? Are you kidding me? Someone paid the judges for sure.” Her comments quickly went viral, sparking an intense debate across social media and within the broader sports community.

Reese’s outburst underscores a recurring frustration among female athletes in their pursuit of recognition. The lack of votes for her, despite her standout achievements, signals a deeper dissatisfaction with how women’s sports are often treated, as well as the systemic biases that persist in sports media and voting systems.

For Reese, it’s not just about being overlooked for one specific award. It’s about fairness, visibility, and a broader fight for the respect that female athletes deserve.

Reese’s Frustration Over Recognition

In a follow-up post, Reese shared her disbelief: “How can someone like me, who led their team to a national championship and was named MOP of the Final Four, get zero votes?” she wrote. “It’s not just about me—it’s about the respect that female athletes deserve.” Reese’s remarks were a direct challenge to the system that allowed such an oversight to happen, emphasizing the importance of fairness and recognition in women’s sports.

Her comments reflect a sentiment shared by many female athletes who feel that their accomplishments are often downplayed or overlooked in favor of male counterparts or other factors, such as popularity and media attention. Reese’s frustration isn’t just personal—she is speaking on behalf of a larger movement to give female athletes the recognition they deserve.

Caitlin Clark’s Time Magazine Honor Divides the WNBA

The controversy surrounding Reese’s lack of recognition comes on the heels of Caitlin Clark’s historic win as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. Clark’s rise to prominence has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, and her selection for the prestigious honor has sparked divisive reactions across the basketball world.

Clark, a 22-year-old guard for the Indiana Fever, had a sensational debut season in the WNBA, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. She was also named Rookie of the Year, capping off a year that many consider a game-changer for women’s basketball.

While some, like Sheila Johnson, owner of the Washington Mystics, argue that Clark’s recognition is a result of the larger impact of the entire rookie class, others believe she deserves all the accolades. Johnson, in particular, emphasized that the broader rookie class, not just Clark, contributed to the surge in the league’s popularity, but not everyone agreed with her view.

Matt Barnes Defends Caitlin Clark’s Impact

NBA champion Matt Barnes, who won a title with the Golden State Warriors in 2017, defended Caitlin Clark against those downplaying her influence on women’s basketball. Speaking on the All the Smoke podcast, Barnes praised Clark’s ability to generate significant attention for the league, stating, “She’s damned if she does, and she’s damned if she doesn’t.”

Barnes emphasized that while the NBA faces challenges in finding new stars to fill the void left by icons like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, the WNBA has found its “golden goose” in Clark. He argued that instead of undermining her achievements, fans and analysts should embrace the moment and capitalize on the opportunities she’s created for the sport.

“That’s what you want from a player,” Barnes continued. “You want someone who comes in and takes full advantage of the spotlight. She brings more opportunities and more money to the league than anyone else.”

While Barnes acknowledged that Clark isn’t the sole reason for the WNBA’s growing popularity, he highlighted her as one of the central figures driving the wave of interest in the league. Alongside other stars like A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Clark has helped propel the league to new heights.

A Shift in the WNBA’s Landscape

The debate surrounding Clark’s recognition and the reactions of players like Reese exemplify the shifting landscape of women’s basketball. The WNBA is at a pivotal moment where increasing media attention and growing fan support are giving female athletes a larger platform than ever before. But with that spotlight comes heightened scrutiny, not just of the players themselves but also of the systems in place to award and recognize their achievements.

Reese’s frustration is just one example of the complex dynamics at play in women’s sports, where success often depends on more than just performance on the court—it’s also about visibility, media coverage, and breaking through ingrained biases.

As the WNBA continues to evolve and attract more attention, players like Reese and Clark are leading the way for future generations of female athletes. However, with that growth comes the challenge of ensuring that all athletes—regardless of race, background, or team—receive the recognition they deserve. Reese’s candid outburst and Clark’s historic achievements mark the beginning of a new era for the WNBA, one that will continue to wrestle with questions of fairness, visibility, and equality in sports.