Under the Spotlight: The Angel Reese Controversies That Stirred Debate Around LSU’s $1.8M NIL Star
Angel Reese, the standout forward for LSU’s women’s basketball team and one of the highest-earning athletes in the NCAA with an estimated NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuation of $1.8 million, has not only made headlines for her on-court prowess but also for a series of controversies that have subjected her to widespread public scrutiny. While her talent is undeniable, the attention surrounding her career has extended far beyond the basketball court.
The “You Can’t See Me” Gesture
One of the most talked-about incidents involving Reese occurred during the 2023 NCAA championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. After LSU’s dominant win, Reese was seen taunting Iowa’s star Caitlin Clark by mimicking the “You Can’t See Me” gesture popularized by wrestler John Cena, followed by pointing to her ring finger. The move sparked an online firestorm. While some defended Reese’s competitive spirit, critics accused her of poor sportsmanship. Supporters pointed out that Clark had used the same gesture earlier in the tournament, sparking debates about double standards in how Black and white athletes are perceived.
Academic and Team Absences
In late 2023, Reese was notably absent from several games, including LSU’s high-profile matchups. Head Coach Kim Mulkey’s vague responses about the situation fueled speculation, with rumors ranging from academic eligibility issues to internal team conflicts. Reese later returned to the lineup without publicly addressing the details, but the mysterious nature of her absence only added to the drama. Though no official confirmation was given, the incident left fans and analysts questioning the dynamics behind the scenes at LSU.
Reese is also known for her strong presence on social media, where she often engages with fans and detractors alike. Her bold personality and unfiltered posts have garnered both admiration and criticism. Some see her as an empowering figure who unapologetically speaks her mind and promotes athlete empowerment, while others view her as controversial and overly provocative. The divide in public opinion highlights the challenges athletes face in maintaining a personal brand while navigating the expectations of professionalism and decorum
Fashion and Branding Choices
Reese’s fashion-forward appearances—whether courtside or in endorsement campaigns—have also drawn mixed reactions. As a trailblazer in leveraging NIL deals, she’s partnered with major brands like Coach and Amazon. However, some critics argue that her focus on image and branding distracts from her performance and responsibilities as a student-athlete. Supporters counter that she is simply capitalizing on opportunities historically denied to female athletes, particularly women of color.
Angel Reese remains one of the most captivating figures in college sports today, both for her basketball skills and the conversations she ignites off the court. While her actions have sometimes drawn controversy, they’ve also sparked important discussions around race, gender, athlete autonomy, and media narratives. Whether praised or critiqued, one thing is certain: Angel Reese is not backing down from the spotlight anytime soon.
