Riley Gaines, the former competitive swimmer known for her outspoken views, has once again drawn attention to Angel Reese following the Chicago Sky star’s controversial ejection in a game against the New York Liberty. Gaines, who has been vocal about her criticisms of Reese in the past, didn’t hold back this time either, targeting Reese’s behavior both on and off the court.
In a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gaines acknowledged Reese’s athletic talent and potential to be a positive role model for young girls. However, she quickly shifted the focus to what she perceives as Reese’s undesirable qualities, specifically arrogance, unprofessionalism, and jealousy. Gaines made it clear that she feels Reese’s behavior during the game, as well as her general attitude, are a detriment to her reputation.
“Angel Reese has the potential to be a great role model for young girls…but she’s shown herself to be arrogant, unprofessional, & jealous,” Gaines wrote in her tweet. While it is common for athletes to face scrutiny after controversial incidents, Gaines’ words added fuel to the fire of the ongoing rivalry between her and Reese, as well as a broader conversation about sportsmanship and respect.
Angel Reese’s ejection from the game on Tuesday night marked a first in her career. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of the Chicago Sky’s matchup against the New York Liberty, with the Sky forward becoming visibly upset over a call by referee Charles Watson. At the 2:31 mark, Reese received two quick technical fouls, which led to her removal from the game.
The first technical was called after Reese directed a comment at the referee, which was deemed inappropriate. The second technical came moments later when Reese performed a hand wave gesture, a move that has garnered attention from both NBA and WNBA officials for being disrespectful toward referees. This gesture has been seen in the past as a form of dissent, which has led to its widespread disapproval across the league.
Reese’s ejection was a significant moment in her career, especially given her history of on-court dominance and fierce competitive spirit. However, it is also a reflection of the emotional intensity that often comes with professional sports, where decisions and calls can sometimes escalate tensions between players and officials.
For Riley Gaines, the ejection was another opportunity to criticize Reese, whom she has had issues with in the past. Gaines took particular issue with Reese’s behavior, calling her “jealous” and “insecure” after Reese made comments regarding charter flights — a statement that some perceived as a jab at fellow athlete Caitlin Clark. While the remarks were widely interpreted as aimed at Clark, they were reportedly directed at former NBA player Charles Barkley, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Gaines’ criticisms have continued to paint Reese as a polarizing figure in women’s basketball. The ongoing feud between the two athletes has only gained more attention as the season progresses, with Gaines clearly taking issue with Reese’s outspoken and often controversial persona. While some fans support Reese’s passionate approach to the game, others are concerned about how her behavior may be perceived in the context of sportsmanship and professionalism.
The ejection of Angel Reese was a moment that captured the attention of not only fans but also current and former athletes across the sports world. Several individuals have expressed concerns about how the WNBA handles physicality and the treatment of prominent players like Reese and Caitlin Clark.
Geno Auriemma, head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, was one such figure who spoke out about the incident. Auriemma, who has coached some of the most successful players in college basketball, has been vocal about what he sees as unfair treatment toward certain players, particularly Caitlin Clark. In response to the way Reese and Clark were being handled, Auriemma pointed out that the Indiana Fever, who faced Clark in a recent game, were “targeting” the player in an unsportsmanlike manner. This comment added to the growing discourse on how the WNBA is managing the increasing physicality of the game, especially when it comes to star players.
With this backdrop, the rivalry between Riley Gaines and Angel Reese has become a focal point of much of the discussion. Gaines, who has become known for speaking out on various topics within and beyond sports, appears to be drawing more attention to her ongoing feud with Reese, while others call for more attention to the broader issues facing the league, including physical play and how players’ conduct is managed by officials.
The road ahead for both Angel Reese and Riley Gaines remains uncertain, as their rivalry continues to make waves in the media. While Reese’s ejection may be seen as a moment of personal growth and reflection, the aftermath has led to further scrutiny of her character both on and off the court. Gaines, for her part, seems undeterred in her criticisms, determined to keep the conversation alive.
It remains to be seen whether the ongoing feud will escalate further or if the two will eventually find common ground. What is clear, however, is that this latest incident will only add to the growing conversation about player behavior, sportsmanship, and the role of social media in modern sports.
As the season progresses, both Reese and Gaines will likely remain in the spotlight, with fans and analysts alike eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their complicated and very public rivalry.
