“Angel Reese Doesn’t Deserve the Hype”—Jason Whitlock Sparks Outrage With Claims That Her Fame Is Built on Looks, Not Talent

In a media firestorm that’s reverberating through the world of women’s sports, commentator Jason Whitlock has launched a controversial attack on WNBA rising star Angel Reese. In a recent appearance on his podcast and subsequent social media posts, Whitlock claimed that Reese’s popularity has more to do with her appearance and marketing appeal than with her on-court performance—a take that has since ignited fierce backlash across the internet.

“Let’s just be honest,” Whitlock said bluntly. “The media isn’t hyping Angel Reese because she’s dominating on the court—they’re hyping her because she looks good in the jersey.”

The comment, deemed by many as sexist and racially loaded, quickly went viral. Within hours, sports fans, athletes, and media personalities flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram with heated responses. Some accused Whitlock of perpetuating long-standing stereotypes that devalue Black women athletes. Others defended Reese, pointing to her college dominance at LSU, her NCAA championship run, and her strong rebounding presence early in her WNBA career with the Chicago Sky.

But the criticism from Whitlock has stirred deeper tensions within sports media—especially around who gets celebrated, who gets criticized, and why.

A Star in the Crosshairs

Angel Reese has never been a stranger to public attention. Dubbed “The Bayou Barbie” during her time at LSU, she became a symbol of unapologetic confidence, athleticism, and cultural resonance. Her dramatic pointing gesture at Caitlin Clark during the 2023 NCAA title game set off nationwide debates about sportsmanship, race, and media bias. But it also cemented her status as a polarizing figure—admired by millions, scrutinized by others.

Since entering the WNBA, Reese has faced the pressure of transitioning from college dominance to the pros, all under a glaring media spotlight. In her second game with the Sky, she went 0-for-8 from the field, prompting ESPN to send out a push notification labeling her performance “historically bad.”

While many fans called ESPN’s move “petty” and “unnecessarily harsh,” it underscored how quickly the same media that built her up could tear her down.

That’s the environment in which Whitlock’s remarks landed.

Sexism, Race, and the Weight of Expectations

Whitlock’s critique cuts deeper than a typical analysis of performance. His assertion that Reese’s fame is based more on looks than ability evokes painful tropes that Black female athletes have fought against for decades—that they are celebrated only when they fit a narrow aesthetic, and dismissed when they fall short of perfection.

“This isn’t just about basketball,” tweeted sports journalist Jemele Hill. “It’s about who we allow to be imperfect. Angel Reese is 22. She’s growing, learning, adjusting. But because she’s confident and doesn’t fit the mold of ‘humble, quiet, palatable,’ people can’t wait to pounce.”

Many pointed out that Reese’s early struggles are no different than those of most rookies adjusting to the WNBA’s elite level. Yet the vitriol she receives far exceeds what her male counterparts endure. Instead of being allowed space to grow, every mistake is amplified—and now, even her motives for being celebrated are being questioned.

Reese Responds—Without Saying a Word

Angel Reese has not directly responded to Whitlock’s comments, but her recent social media activity speaks volumes. She reposted messages of support from fellow athletes and fans, and shared photos of herself at practice with the caption: “Still working. Still smiling.”

Her silence may be strategic, or it may be a reflection of how often Black women are expected to rise above the noise. Either way, the message is clear: she’s not backing down.

WNBA players like A’ja Wilson and Skylar Diggins-Smith have also thrown their support behind Reese, calling out what they describe as an unfair and exhausting pattern—where confidence in a young Black woman is viewed as arrogance, and beauty becomes a weapon used against her.

Beyond the Court: Why This Moment Matters

The debate sparked by Whitlock touches on more than just sports. It taps into a national conversation about how women—especially Black women—are evaluated, scrutinized, and praised in public life. Who gets grace when they fail? Who gets space to grow? And why does appearance continue to play such an outsized role in media narratives?

Angel Reese is at the heart of that conversation. And whether people love her or loathe her, no one can deny that she commands attention—and sparks dialogue.

For some, Whitlock’s comments are just another example of gatekeepers trying to limit a young woman’s shine. For others, they’re a reminder of how uncomfortable people become when a woman refuses to shrink herself to fit a mold.

The Future Is Still Hers

Angel Reese may be early in her WNBA journey, but she’s already become one of the most talked-about athletes in the league. And despite the setbacks, criticism, and now public questioning of her value, she remains committed to her craft.

If anything, this controversy may only fuel her even more.

Because for every pundit who doubts her, there are millions who see themselves in her—flawed, resilient, beautiful, bold. And that’s exactly what makes her dangerous.

Not just because she’s good.

But because she knows it.