1 MIN AGO: Stephen A. Smith PUTS Angel Reese IN HER PLACE After Latest Stunt! She’s Not Caitlin Clark
In the ever-entertaining world of sports commentary, Stephen A. Smith never holds back when it comes to sharing his opinion. Recently, the outspoken ESPN host took to the airwaves to address the ongoing drama surrounding LSU star Angel Reese. In his latest tirade, Smith made it clear that he believes Reese’s recent actions on the court are nothing short of disruptive, drawing a sharp contrast between her behavior and that of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. According to Smith, while Reese may have the talent, she’s no Caitlin Clark.
The Context:
The debate stems from the fierce rivalry that has developed between Reese and Clark, particularly after LSU’s dominant win over Iowa in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game. Angel Reese became a lightning rod for controversy, especially after her now-infamous “You can’t see me” taunt directed at Clark during the final moments of the game. The gesture, which was reminiscent of WWE superstar John Cena’s iconic move, sparked a national debate about sportsmanship, trash talk, and the fine line between competitive spirit and disrespect.
Stephen A. Smith Weighs In:
Smith wasted no time giving his unfiltered take on the matter. In his latest commentary, he pointed out that while Reese certainly brought intensity to the championship game, her antics were over the top. He expressed frustration that Reese’s actions overshadowed the real reason the spotlight should be on her—her exceptional skills on the court.
“Listen, I’m not saying Angel Reese isn’t talented. She’s a hell of a player, but there’s a way to carry yourself,” Smith said during his broadcast. “She’s trying to play the role of the villain, but you’re not Caitlin Clark. You’re not that level of player yet. You don’t have the cachet, and quite frankly, you don’t have the resume to back it up. You can’t be out here acting like you’ve already done it all, when you’re still trying to prove you belong in the conversation with the greats.”
The Comparison to Caitlin Clark:
Smith wasn’t shy about comparing Reese’s behavior to that of Clark, who has become one of the most celebrated players in college basketball for her incredible on-court performance and poise. Caitlin Clark is known for her unmatched scoring ability, her leadership, and her ability to handle the spotlight with grace. Her approach to competition is often about letting her game speak for itself rather than resorting to trash talk or controversial moments.
Smith pointed out that while Clark may have had her fair share of fiery moments, her actions on the court are consistently backed up by her achievements. “Caitlin Clark plays with fire, but she plays with purpose. There’s a reason she’s been the face of college basketball for the past year. It’s not just the numbers—it’s her demeanor,” Smith added.
A Look at Reese’s Potential:
While Stephen A. Smith was quick to call out Reese for her recent actions, he did acknowledge that the LSU star has the potential to reach great heights. He emphasized that Reese is still young and can grow into a more well-rounded player, both on and off the court. But for now, Smith made it clear that Reese’s recent stunts have taken away from the narrative of her remarkable talent.
“Angel Reese can be a force in this game, no doubt about it. But she’s got to understand that greatness isn’t just about the attention you grab. It’s about what you do when the lights are on you,” Smith concluded.
The Takeaway:
Stephen A. Smith’s comments have certainly stirred the pot, as his critiques of Angel Reese’s actions have ignited further discussions about sportsmanship, personal branding, and the line between competitive edge and disrespect. While some fans support Reese’s bold attitude, others believe she needs to focus more on her craft and avoid drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
Regardless of where you stand on the matter, one thing is certain: Reese is a player to watch, and as she continues to evolve, the basketball world will likely see her step up in a big way—hopefully with the same level of poise and maturity that has made Caitlin Clark such a beloved figure in the sport.
In the end, it’s all about balance. The world is watching, and as Stephen A. Smith so passionately put it, it’s time for Angel Reese to “put the work in” if she wants to be mentioned in the same breath as the greats.
