CNN
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LSU star Angel Reese defended the gesture she aimed at Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark near the end of the Tigers’ first NCAA women’s basketball national championship victory on Sunday, saying “I don’t take disrespect lightly.”
Reese can FOUND Coming to Clark before moving his open hand in front of his face – led by WWE star John Cena to explain that a definition of a description of a newly claimed championship of the newly acquired championship can sit.
Clark did the same actions to another player earlier in the tournament.
The gesture has sparked a lot of debate, especially on social media. Some criticized Reese, while others defended his actions, highlighting how the public response to Clark’s gesture at the Tournament was angry.
Sports anchor Jose De Jesus Ortiz called Reese’s actions “Class,” while former Espn Host Keith Olnemlann called Reese an “Idiot” for the gesture.
In the press conference after the victory, Reese pointed out the difference in the reaction he received as a result of his writing compared to a Clark.
“All these years, I’ve been hated for who I am. I don’t fit the narrative,” Reese said. “I don’t fit the box I want to be in. I’m so hood. I’m also ghetto. Y’all tell me all year. But if it doesn’t work.
“This is for girls like me. For those who want to speak up for what they believe in. This is what I’m doing tonight. And that’s what I’m doing tonight.
“And I’m happy. I feel that I helped the growth of women’s basketball this year. (…) I’m looking forward to celebrating and then to the next season.”
Reese had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the 102-85 victory and won the Women’s March Madess’ best player award.
In the post-game broadcast, Reese mentioned a similar gesture Clark made to a Louisville opponent in the Elite Eight.
In the same game, Clark said to an opponent:
“Caitlin Clark is a hell of a player but I have no respect for being slow,” Reese said. “He has no respect [LSU’s] Alexis [Morris] (…) And I want to pick his pocket. But there is one moment at the end of his game. I’m in my bag, I’m on my time. ”
After the championship game, Clark himself said that he was not noticed at any time.
“I’m just trying to get to the handshake line and shake hands and be thankful that my team is in that position,” Clark said in the post-game press conference. “All the commitment in the world to LSU. They’re awesome. They deserve it. They’re going to have a great time.
“(LSU head coach) Kim Mulkey Coachey Coache They’re Common, Good. He’s one of the best basketball coaches of all time, and it just shows in my handshake line.
“But honestly I have no idea. I’m just trying to spend the last moments on the court especially the five people I started 93 games with and broke every second of that.”
LSU Head Coach Mulkey said he has “no explanation” for what happened.
In photos: LSU wins women’s basketball national title
Among those defending Reese on Social Media are ESPN’s Holly Rowe and former NBA star Thomas Thomas.
“People who hate on Siel Reese or Caitlin Clark. Stop. Don’t trust young women who don’t hate. Take care of it,” Rowe WRITES on Twitter.
Former Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks Player Thomas WRITES:
Reese said the negative reaction on social media helped fuel his excellent season, finishing average in his first season at LSU after transferring from Maryland.
“Twitter can say what they want to say,” he said. “I love reading comments. I have all the screenshots of what everyone says about me all the time. What are you going to say now?”