Angel Reese CROWNED & CLOWNED for Winning Sports Woman of the Year

The BET Sportswoman of the Year award has once again become a lightning rod for controversy after Angel Reese was named the recipient for the third consecutive year. The decision has drawn criticism not only from fans, but also from fellow athletes who question whether the honor truly reflects sporting achievement.

Athletes Speak Out: “Accolades Should Matter”

Olympic boxer Claressa Shields was among the first to publicly question the BET Awards’ decision. Shields tweeted, “Still don’t know how I didn’t win these Sportswoman of the Year for the BET Awards but congrats to Angel Reese and all the other nominees. I just thought accolades mattered.” Shields’ comments resonated with many in the sports community, who believe that more accomplished athletes, such as WNBA stars A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier, were overlooked.

While Shields later clarified that she supports Reese, her initial comments highlighted a growing sense of frustration among athletes who feel that on-court performance and accolades are being overshadowed by other factors.

Social Media Blowback and the Pressure on Angel Reese

The criticism did not stop with Shields. Social media was abuzz with debate, with many questioning whether Reese, considered by some to be only a top-40 player in the WNBA, truly deserved to be named the top Black female athlete in America. Detractors argue that Reese’s fame is driven more by her media presence and off-court persona than by her basketball accomplishments.

Reese, for her part, addressed the scrutiny in a recent postgame press conference. She emphasized that she receives overwhelming support in person and chooses to ignore online negativity: “I haven’t ever had a negative encounter in person ever… People online are behind the keyboard for a reason and I don’t worry about that stuff. I trust my work, my teammates trust me, and that’s all that really matters.”

Her teammate, veteran Ariel Atkins, came to her defense, highlighting the pressure Reese faces as a young star in the public eye: “This is a 23-year-old kid and the amount of crap that she gets on a day-to-day and she still shows up… Her crown is heavy, so respect that.”

Criticism of the Team and “Heavy is the Crown” Narrative

Despite these defenses, some commentators remain skeptical. They argue that Reese’s frequent self-promotion and social media activity contribute to the backlash she receives. Critics suggest that if Reese focused solely on basketball and avoided controversy, much of the negativity would subside.

There is also growing tension within her team, the Chicago Sky, as the season’s losses mount. Some believe that her teammates are becoming frustrated with the focus on Reese, especially as the team struggles on the court.

A Divisive Figure in Women’s Sports

Angel Reese’s repeated selection as BET Sportswoman of the Year has sparked important questions about what constitutes sporting excellence and who gets to represent Black women in sports. Is it about statistics and championships, or is it about cultural impact and media presence?

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Angel Reese remains one of the most polarizing and talked-about athletes in women’s basketball. Whether she is seen as a trailblazer or a controversial figure, her impact on the conversation around women’s sports and representation is undeniable.

Conclusion

The BET Awards’ choice to honor Angel Reese for a third straight year has fueled a broader discussion about merit, media, and the pressures facing young athletes today. As Reese and her team navigate a challenging season, the spotlight—and the scrutiny—are unlikely to fade anytime soon.