“Let Her Play”: Ariel Atkins Defends Angel Reese Against Media Backlash and Unfair Scrutiny

As Angel Reese continues to be one of the most polarizing figures in women’s basketball, WNBA veteran Ariel Atkins is stepping up—not just as a teammate, but as a vocal advocate for fairness and integrity in how athletes are treated off the court. Amidst a whirlwind of criticism, viral moments, and constant headlines, Atkins has issued an emotional and unapologetic defense of the 22-year-old rookie phenom.

In a league still finding its cultural and commercial footing, Atkins’s words have struck a nerve—not only with fans, but across the broader sports landscape.

“Why is she constantly being picked apart?” Atkins asked during a recent press conference. “Why does confidence in a young Black woman automatically turn into a media storm?”

A Storm of Criticism

Angel Reese, a former LSU standout who helped lead her college team to a national title in 2023, has been under a near-constant microscope since entering the WNBA. Whether it’s her game-day fashion, her celebratory gestures, or her public comments, critics—online and on television—have not held back.

While some fans see her as a bold and unapologetic trailblazer, others have labeled her “divisive,” “cocky,” or even “a distraction.”

To Ariel Atkins, these labels are not just unfair—they’re harmful.

“There are double standards at play here,” Atkins said. “Men show swagger all the time and get celebrated. When Angel does it, it becomes a problem. That’s not okay.”

A Culture War in Sneakers

Atkins, a 2019 WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has long been known for her quiet leadership and professionalism. But this time, she isn’t staying quiet.

In her view, the way media and fans treat Reese is part of a broader issue: the persistent tendency to control and police how young, confident women—especially Black women—express themselves in public.

“People talk about growing the game, but then they tear down the very players who are growing it,” Atkins said. “Angel brings energy, passion, and personality. That’s what draws people in. That’s what the WNBA needs.”

Her remarks come at a time when the league is enjoying a major surge in attention, driven in large part by rookie stars like Reese and Caitlin Clark, whose on-court rivalry has captivated fans. But with that spotlight has come tension—especially on social media, where every gesture, foul, and facial expression is dissected in real time.

The Pressure of the Spotlight

While Reese hasn’t been shy about speaking her truth or defending herself online, the toll of such constant criticism is real. In recent interviews, she’s admitted that the noise can get overwhelming. Yet she continues to show up, compete, and speak with honesty.

Atkins says it’s time people remember that behind the headlines is a real human being.

“She’s 22. She’s navigating fame, pressure, expectations, and learning the pro game all at once,” Atkins noted. “What she needs is support, not judgment.”

Her message was echoed by others in the league, including players, coaches, and former WNBA stars who took to social media to praise Reese’s competitive fire and criticize what they see as an unfair media narrative.

Fans React: “She Said What We’re All Thinking”

Atkins’s emotional plea didn’t take long to go viral. Within hours, clips of her statement were shared across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, sparking a fierce debate.

Some fans praised her for saying what needed to be said:

“Ariel Atkins just spoke the truth. Let Angel be herself. Let her shine,” one user wrote.

Another added:

“This is why I love the WNBA. These women stand up for each other. Ariel is a real one.”

Others pointed to how the league has struggled to handle this new wave of attention—especially when it comes to controlling narratives around its most talked-about players.

“It’s like they want the spotlight but not the controversy. You can’t have it both ways,” a longtime fan posted.

What This Means for the League

For the WNBA, the moment marks a cultural crossroads. The influx of new talent, bigger viewership numbers, and growing media coverage has brought both opportunities and growing pains. Stars like Reese and Clark are helping redefine the league’s image—but they’re also challenging old norms.

Atkins believes that’s exactly what should be happening.

“The game is evolving, and so is the culture around it,” she said. “If the league wants to keep moving forward, it has to embrace players like Angel—flaws, fire, and all.”

Her defense of Reese wasn’t just about one player—it was about a larger principle. Athletes, Atkins argued, shouldn’t have to tone themselves down to be accepted. They shouldn’t have to shrink themselves to fit into someone else’s definition of “professional.”

“Let her play,” she said, her voice unwavering. “Let her grow. Let her be. That’s what real progress looks like.”

Angel Reese Responds: “I’m Grateful”

Shortly after Atkins’s comments went viral, Reese responded with a message of gratitude on her Instagram Story:

“Thank you @arielatkins23. Means more than you know. I got y’all like y’all got me.”

It was a brief, heartfelt message—but it spoke volumes.

In the fast-moving, pressure-filled world of pro sports, knowing someone has your back can be the difference between burnout and breakthrough. With Atkins in her corner, Reese has one more reason to keep pushing forward.