What did Iowa’s Caitlin Clark say in defense of LSU’s Angel Reese?

Following their heated clash in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game, it’s a pleasant surprise to see the Hawkeyes star come to the defense of her opponent, who was voted the best player of the Final Four after emerging victorious in the big game.

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark defends LSU’s Angel Reese amid taunting controversy

By now you probably know that the LSU Tigers clinched the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship in a 102-85 win against the Iowa Hawkeyes. What you might have missed, however, was the the heated exchange between the two stars of the show, LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. Indeed, with just under a minute on the clock, Reese began to celebrate in Clark’s face with the use of the now famous John Cena “you can’t see me” gesture. If that wasn’t cheeky enough, Reese then pointed at her ring finger in reference to the championship ring she knew she would soon be receiving. What has followed, is an intense debate about Reese’s perceived lack of sportsmanship. Yet, it’s interesting to note that despite what fans think, Clark herself doesn’t believe Reese should be criticized. Quite the opposite in fact.

Speaking just days after her team’s loss, Clark made it clear that trash talk is simply a part of the game and that Reese isn’t guilty of any wrongdoing. “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” Clark said. “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 talk. It’s not just me and Angel. 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.” It’s worth noting, that Clark herself used the same gesture after her team defeated Louisville in the Elite Eight. Users on social media have been far more critical of LSU’s star than they were of Iowa’s.

Caitlin Clark believes trash talking should be preserved

What’s interesting about Clark’s position, is that it didn’t stop at the defense of her victorious opponent - something she deserves credit for. Indeed, she went on to say that trash talk is something that “draws” fans to sports. Arguing that the emotion on display adds to the entertainment value of the sport and as such should be encouraged, Clark was again clear that she had no problem with taking heat in games.

“I think men have always had trash talk. I think that’s what it’s always been. I think more and more people, as they turn on the game, are appreciating it for what it is. I’m just lucky enough that I get to play this game and have emotion and wear it on my sleeves. So does everybody else. “That should never be torn down. That should never be criticized because I believe that’s what makes this game so fun. That’s what draws people to this game. That’s what draws it to the pro level, to the college level, to the high school level.”

What did Angel Reese say about the criticism of her actions?

With many social media users calling her “classless” for making the gesture in Clark’s face, Reese was firm in her response as she stated that it was more to do with who she is, rather than what she did.

“All year I was critiqued about who I was. ... I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit in a 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 say nothing,” Reese said. “So this was for the girls that look like me, that’s going to speak up on what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you. That’s what I did it for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. It was bigger than me. Twitter is going to 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 in the next season.”