Imagine being so frustrated with the media that you'd rather pay a hefty fine than speak to them! That's the reality for WNBA star Angel Reese, who has publicly stated her preference for fines over press conferences. But why? Let's delve into the reasons behind Reese's reluctance and what it says about the current sports media landscape.
Angel Reese is undoubtedly a prominent figure in American sports. Her recent appearance as the first WNBA player to grace the Victoria's Secret runway generated significant buzz, further solidifying her status as a celebrity athlete. While her performance on the catwalk sparked considerable online chatter, the focus has inevitably shifted back to her basketball career. And this is where things get interesting.
Reese demonstrated exceptional individual performance during her sophomore season in 2025. However, her team's overall progress remained stagnant. This, coupled with her expressed interest in potentially exploring a move to another team, created friction with the Chicago Sky franchise. The team even briefly suspended her for 'comments detrimental to the team.' It appears this experience has soured her relationship with the media. But here's where it gets controversial... Was the suspension justified, or was it an overreaction to a young player simply exploring her options? This is a debate that continues to rage among WNBA fans.
"Even before the game, I’m like terrified of what the media’s about to ask," Reese confessed on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel. She elaborated on her anxieties, stating, "It could be the nicest question, but it’s going to get flipped or put into a different light. It’s like, are you here intentionally to start a mess, or are you here intentionally to ask a question?" This reveals a deep-seated distrust and a perception that the media is often more interested in creating drama than reporting fairly.
Reese went on to say, "It’s really tough for me, especially in the media, because I don’t want to do an interview with anybody. Certain people, I know I can talk to, but certain… I’d rather take the fine. I’d rather take the fine than talk to the media because it always gets flipped. That’s where the media has gotten these days.” This statement highlights a growing concern among athletes about the potential for misrepresentation and the pressure to navigate a media environment perceived as adversarial. Consider the financial implications: WNBA fines can be substantial, yet Reese clearly values avoiding negative media coverage even more.
Several factors contribute to Reese's strained relationship with the press. Her highly publicized rivalry with Caitlin Clark, for example, has intensified media scrutiny. Furthermore, her unapologetic attitude and outspokenness have made her a target for criticism and, in her view, unfair reporting. It's easy to understand why the 23-year-old Reese feels she can't fully trust the media to accurately and fairly represent her views.
As Angel Reese matures and gains more experience, she will likely develop strategies for navigating the complexities of media interactions. We see this with many athletes who learn how to give carefully worded answers and control the narrative. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Until then, however, the WNBA may continue to benefit from Reese's aversion to media appearances through collected fines. Will Reese's stance eventually force the media to reconsider their approach to covering athletes? Or will she adapt and learn to play the media game more effectively? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you sympathize with Reese's perspective, or do you believe athletes have a responsibility to engage with the media, regardless of the potential pitfalls?
