Angel Reese, the standout star of LSU’s 2023 NCAA Championship-winning women’s basketball team, was noticeably absent from the Chicago Sky’s groundbreaking ceremony, sparking a flurry of reactions from fans. As a player whose personality and playstyle have made waves both on and off the court, her absence didn’t go unnoticed. Fans took to social media and various platforms to express their thoughts, leading to mixed opinions about why Reese chose not to attend and what it says about her future.
One fan praised Reese’s authenticity, applauding her for staying true to herself and not conforming to the expectations of being politically correct. “I’m so glad that she’s not going to pretend to be okay with the way things are going. Always going to speak up for herself. Some people are used to being quiet and playing good politics. Angel Reese is real af! Salute to you, young trailblazer! Keep being you!” This comment highlights the admiration for Reese’s boldness and unwillingness to compromise her beliefs or actions, even if it means missing a major event like the Chicago Sky groundbreaking.
Reese’s outspokenness and confidence have become part of her brand, especially after the NCAA Championship, where her iconic “you can’t see me” gesture during the final game sparked both criticism and support. Fans who resonate with her defiance of norms and refusal to shy away from controversy see her absence from the Sky event as consistent with her character. For them, it’s another instance of Reese not conforming to what’s expected but rather staying true to her own path.
Another fan, however, took a different angle, arguing that Reese’s status as a superstar and social media influencer is the real reason behind her absence. “Angel is a superstar and a top-notch YouTube influencer. She’s the reason attendance has gone up … little girls everywhere are wearing her jersey … she’s the face of The W. She wasn’t going to show up for a franchise event … after all, they didn’t offer her extra money to be there. And of course, she’s the real ROY.” This perspective focuses on Reese’s burgeoning fame and her influence on the game, especially her appeal to younger fans. The mention of money adds an interesting dimension, suggesting that, as a high-profile athlete, Reese may prioritize financial opportunities over traditional commitments like attending team events.
This comment also highlights the growing intersection between sports and social media. Reese has capitalized on her NCAA success, turning herself into a brand that goes beyond basketball. With her YouTube channel, endorsement deals, and social media presence, Reese is part of a new generation of athletes who are equally influencers. This has led some to believe that her absence was a strategic decision, one where she felt her value wasn’t recognized by the Sky for this particular event.
However, not all fans were as supportive. Another comment took a more critical stance on Reese’s priorities: “AR seems much more interested in online celebrity, money, and the lifestyle that money brings than her career in basketball. With Weatherspoon fired, she may see the writing on the wall. Either practice like hell during the off-season, or do like other WNBA players and go to China to stay in shape and develop skills, or not and make a ton more money hanging out in the social media-podcast world. Without working hard to get better, AR will see more bench time next season.” This fan sees Reese’s absence as indicative of a larger issue: her focus has shifted away from basketball and toward fame. They argue that unless Reese dedicates herself to improving her game, she may find herself falling behind in her basketball career.
This comment reflects the divide in how fans view modern athletes, particularly women who balance professional sports with other ventures like social media. While some see Reese as a trailblazer, leveraging her platform for financial gain and wider visibility, others worry that her focus on fame could detract from her development as a basketball player.
Ultimately, Reese’s absence from the Chicago Sky groundbreaking has ignited a conversation about her priorities, her future, and what it means to be a modern athlete. Is she a basketball player first and foremost, or has she evolved into a celebrity whose influence extends beyond the court? As she continues to navigate her career, it’s clear that Angel Reese will do so on her own terms, regardless of whether fans approve or not.
As she prepares for the upcoming NCAA season with LSU, all eyes will be on how she balances her basketball responsibilities with her ever-growing brand. Whether Reese becomes a dominant force in the WNBA or shifts her focus to other opportunities, one thing is clear: she’s not afraid to forge her own path.
