Angel Reese is making waves both on and off the basketball court. Her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, has been named one of the top athlete-led podcasts by Boardroom heading into 2025. Reese celebrated the recognition with her fans on Instagram, simply captioning her repost of the news with “Thank ya.”
Launched in September, the podcast has quickly gained traction, boasting 113,000 subscribers on YouTube and featuring star-studded guests like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and rapper GloRilla. This achievement places Reese among a select group of WNBA players breaking barriers in media, alongside the highly ranked A Touch More podcast by Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.
However, Reese’s milestone was overshadowed by disturbing comments made by Charleston White during his appearance on Jeff Teague’s Club 520 podcast.
Controversial comments draw fire
White, notorious for his inflammatory remarks, targeted Reese with a series of shocking statements. While discussing her influence on the WNBA’s rising popularity, White echoed Shaquille O’Neal’s earlier comments about her dunking ability but took the rhetoric to an appalling level.
He suggested Reese should create an explicit online account, saying, “She should dunk in some panties with no bra on. That’s how you sell tickets.” White continued with crude remarks implying Reese was prioritizing sexuality over her athletic career, stating, “I think Angel Reese don’t wanna play basketball. I think she wanna sell herself.”
These comments have drawn widespread condemnation from fans, analysts, and fellow WNBA players. Las Vegas Aces star Sydney Colson, sports analyst Natalie Esquire, and LA Sparks guard Lexie Brown were among those who criticized the misogynistic and disrespectful nature of White’s remarks.
A rising star amidst challenges
Despite the controversy, Reese’s impact on the WNBA is undeniable. Her presence, along with Caitlin Clark’s, has brought unprecedented attention to the league. Ticket sales are soaring, viewership is up, and the WNBA recently signed its biggest TV deal in history.
While Reese’s success continues to elevate the sport, the backlash against White’s comments highlights ongoing challenges female athletes face in battling sexism and objectification. Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence, has yet to respond publicly, but her continued success serves as a powerful reminder of her resilience.