Bria Hartley Sparks Uproar After Grabbing Angel Reese’s Hair Mid-Game—Fans Call for Suspension

An already-intense game turned into a firestorm of controversy Sunday afternoon after veteran WNBA player Bria Hartley was caught on camera pulling Angel Reese’s hair during a heated moment on the court. The now-viral footage has ignited outrage across social media, with fans, analysts, and former players demanding swift disciplinary action.

The shocking incident occurred in the third quarter of a high-stakes matchup between the Connecticut Sun and the Chicago Sky. As Reese fought for positioning under the basket, Hartley, defending closely, appeared to reach out and yank the second-year forward’s long braids—sending her momentarily off balance.

The moment was clearly captured from multiple camera angles and quickly spread online, where fans began circulating slowed-down replays showing Hartley’s hand gripping Reese’s hair. Though the referees didn’t call a foul during the play, the league is now under mounting pressure to review the footage and issue a suspension.

“This Wasn’t Just Physical—It Was Personal”

The incident touched a nerve among WNBA fans, many of whom accused Hartley of crossing a line between aggressive defense and blatant disrespect.

“This wasn’t just physical—it was personal,” tweeted ESPN analyst Monica Wright. “Hair pulling has no place in basketball. If this was the NBA, it would be an automatic flagrant foul and likely a suspension.”

Other commentators echoed the sentiment, calling the move both dangerous and unsportsmanlike.

“If you can’t keep up with Angel Reese, don’t resort to dirty plays,” former WNBA player Cappie Pondexter posted on Instagram. “That’s not defense—that’s desperation.”

Angel Reese Stays Calm Amid Chaos

Despite the incident, Angel Reese, 22, remained composed. She didn’t retaliate or confront Hartley on the court, a decision that quickly drew praise from teammates and fans alike.

“She could’ve reacted—and nobody would’ve blamed her,” said Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon during the postgame press conference. “But she kept her cool. That’s what leadership looks like.”

Reese, who has quickly become one of the league’s brightest stars in only her second season, later addressed the moment on social media without naming Hartley directly.

“I know who I am. I don’t need to respond with anything but my game,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “But let’s be clear: keep your hands out of my hair.”

The subtle yet firm response won her further admiration online, with fans calling her a “class act” and commending her maturity.

League Response Under Scrutiny

The WNBA has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but insiders say the league’s disciplinary committee is “actively reviewing” the footage and could make a decision within 48 hours.

This isn’t the first time the WNBA has faced criticism over perceived inconsistencies in how it handles on-court altercations. But the viral nature of this particular moment—and the high-profile players involved—could force a more immediate and transparent response.

“There are cameras everywhere. You can’t pretend this didn’t happen,” said one league insider. “The footage is clear. The question now is whether the WNBA will protect its rising stars or let this slide.”

A Season Already Full of Tension

The 2025 WNBA season has already seen its fair share of flare-ups, particularly involving Angel Reese. The former LSU standout, known for her unapologetic attitude and physical style of play, has drawn both praise and criticism as she navigates the spotlight.

Last month, she was on the receiving end of a hard foul by another veteran player, prompting discussions around whether younger stars are being “targeted” by the old guard. Some fans believe Hartley’s hair pull is part of a broader pattern of resentment toward Reese’s rising popularity and outspoken persona.

“She’s young, confident, and successful—and some people don’t like that,” said sportswriter Jemele Hill. “We need to be honest about how bias shows up on the court.”

The Broader Conversation: Respect, Safety, and Standards

Beyond the immediate question of whether Hartley should face suspension, the incident has reignited a broader conversation about respect and safety in women’s basketball. Players, especially Black women with natural hairstyles or braids, have spoken in the past about hair being pulled—whether intentionally or as part of the game.

“Hair is not part of the uniform,” said Maya Caldwell, guard for the Atlanta Dream. “It’s part of our identity. And when it’s grabbed, yanked, or used against us, that’s personal.”

Advocates are now calling on the league to not only discipline Hartley, but also update guidelines and training to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Let this be a teachable moment,” said WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson. “We owe it to our players to ensure their safety—and their dignity.”

What’s Next?

As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the WNBA front office. A league known for its progressive values and celebration of player expression is being tested in real time.

Hartley has not yet commented publicly, and her team, the Connecticut Sun, declined to offer a statement beyond saying they are “cooperating fully with the league.”

Meanwhile, Angel Reese is moving on—at least publicly. In Chicago’s next game, she posted a season-high double-double, reminding everyone why she’s one of the faces of the WNBA’s future.

“She didn’t let it shake her,” Coach Weatherspoon said. “That’s the kind of player she is. She responds by showing up and showing out.”

Whether Bria Hartley will be allowed to do the same remains to be seen.