The WNBA media narrative was challenged by Etan Thomas, a former teammate of basketball giant Michael Jordan, in the wake of Angel Reese’s fiery reaction during a gripping 78-66 victory over the Connecticut Sun last Sunday. A video clip from the match, distributed by Thomas on Monday, features an altercation between Reese and the Sun’s Bria Hartley, which centres around a struggle to secure a rebound. As depicted in the video, Hartley, failing to outpace Reese, resorts to pulling Reese’s hair in a move that screams of unprofessional conduct. This provocation incites Reese to confront the erring veteran on court.
However, before the situation could escalate, colleagues of Hartley step in hastily to mitigate the arising hazard. As these events played out, Olivia Nelson-Ododa found herself pushed by an irate Reese in the effort to silence the rising disagreement, which subsequently resulted in an intervention by Tina Charles. As a consequence of this heated episode, both Reese and Charles were slapped with technical fouls by the officiating body. Thomas used the episode as a prime example to point out the inherent bias in the WNBA’s coverage.
He stated, ‘If there had been hair pulling directed at Caitlin Clark by any WNBA player, it would have been spun as a targeted assault on Caitlin Clark. However, the same outrageous incident involving Angel Reese is met with deafening silence.’ A powerful statement indeed, strongly outlining the disparities in media treatment of players.
In spite of these unsettling complications, Angel Reese demonstrated true grit by ending the match on an impressive note. She racked up 11 points, claimed 13 rebounds, and delivered 11 assists, thus completing her first-ever professional triple-double. Thomas, as a staunch supporter of Reese, frequently communicates regarding the ongoing criticism targeted at the celebrated Chicago Sky pro.
Bringing up the issues that Angel Reese faces, Thomas pointed out a dubious likeness she shares with a rather controversial political figure. He wrote, somewhat ironically on May 28, ‘It is intriguing that a significant portion of Black Men who unnecessarily criticise Reese, even as she breaks new WNBA records, replicate the very same group who plainly dismissed Kamala Harris.’ In this, he compared the trials and tribulations of Reese with those of former Vice President Harris, blatantly ignoring the context of their achievements and the stark differences in their respective fields.
However, this is typical of the disdainful and often unreasoned attacks that individuals like Jason Whitlock frequently launch on his platform against both Reese and, according to some, Kamala Harris herself. This is another piece of evidence pointing towards the pervasive and often beguiling narrative that surrounds these two women, yet largely in the case of Reese, one wonders if the comparison is at all relevant or these are mere platitudes.
Meanwhile, the current season has been rather tumultuous for the Sky, with a rough commencement that saw them lose four out of their first five games. Their record stands at a rather demoralising 3-7. Nonetheless, amidst the turbulent atmosphere, Reese continues to showcase her indomitable spirit and unwavering performance.
She consistently cranks out double-double statistics, maintaining an average of 10.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists a match. This kind of performance amidst the prevailing challenges is scarcely mirrored across the league. Yet, again, it is almost comical that the same league sees the need to draw equivalence and point out nonsensical comparisons against disparaging political figures.
Clearly, the need to focus on pure performance and contribution rather than linking every struggle with ludicrous political connections is crucial. The discourse must shift from this egregiously incorrect bias to fairness and equality in treatment of players, removing tarnishing associations and irrelevant comparisons from the narrative.
The issues at hand do not lie in the play, the conduct, or the fiery events that often accompany high-stake matches, for they are simply part of the game. Rather, the concern arises from how these events are perceived, relayed, and ingrained in the viewer’s mind vis-a-vis a certain media narrative.
The work and performance of Reese should stand on its own merit and not be belittled by irrelevant comparisons and unjustifiable bias. The attempt to always suturing her story to a political narrative detracts from the commendable contributions she continues to make for her team and the sport.
Thomas’ comments, while notably passionate, often miss the mark in regards to these notable narratives and biases, steering conversations from the court and the game to muddy, polarizing waters. This inclination to tie unnecessary political affiliations is unfortunate and detracts from the genuine achievements and struggles of Reese.
In light of the ongoing WNBA season, the focus should be on supporting the athletes and teams who are putting up a valiant effort in every game. The undue use of political analogies and unfavourable correlation is a disservice to the commendable efforts put forth by sportswomen like Reese and distracts from the spirit of the sport.
Professional sports should be based on merit, talent, and commitment, rather than being a platform for socio-political posturing. By deviating from this principle, those involved impart an unnecessary and unproductive bias to the narrative. The correlation, however unballasted it may be, should not be the turntable upon which discourses around the game revolve.
Overall, the sport, the players, and the audience deserve a narrative that upholds the love of the game, unbeholden to unnecessary societal or political biases. As intrigued observers, it would be better if we can separate – firmly and unwaveringly – the sport from irrelevantly tied political narratives, focusing instead on the passion that each player, including Reese, brings to the court every game.