LSU star Angel Reese brings back controversial taunting celebration during title parade
During Sunday’s national championship against Iowa, LSU star Angel Reese went viral for her celebration toward Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark. She channeled her inner John Cena, doing the “You can’t see me” gesture toward Clark, who did the same in the Elite Eight against Louisville.
Reese isn’t backing down despite the criticism toward her on social media.
When she arrived at LSU’s title parade on Wednesday, Reese did the gesture again. Fans cheered as she pulled up to the celebration just a few days after the Tigers defeated Iowa 102-85 for the program’s first national championship.
Then, as she walked inside the arena for the celebration, Reese once again broke out the “You can’t see me” celebration.
Reese’s taunt toward Clark generated quite a conversation on social media. She was accused of being “classless” and “unsportsmanlike,” but has said she won’t apologize. Clark had her back, too, saying Reese shouldn’t be criticized because it was a moment between two competitors in a high-stakes game.
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” Clark told Jeremy Schapp on “Outside the Lines” Tuesday. “No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I’m just one that competes and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talking the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel. So I don’t think she should be criticized, like I said. LSU deserves it. They played so well. Like I said, I’m a big fan of hers.”
As the criticism continued to grow about Reese’s celebration, she shared a message for her critics in her postgame press conference. Her fiery play became well-known this season, and she said the reaction to it is part of a bigger conversation.
Nonetheless, she thinks women’s basketball is growing — and she’s played a role in it.
“I’m happy, I mean all year I was critiqued about who I was. I don’t fit the narrative, I don’t fit in the box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood, I’m too ghetto. Y’all told me that all year. But when other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing,” Reese said.
“So this is for the girls that look like me. That’s gonna speak up on what they believe in, it’s unapologetically you, and that’s what I did it for tonight. This was bigger than me tonight, it was bigger than me. Twitter’s gonna go on a rage every time and I’m happy, I feel like I’ve helped grow women’s basketball this year, I’m super happy and excited so I’m looking forward to celebrating into next season.”