Angel Reese and Dijonai Carrington lash out at new WNBA fans over appearance comments

WNBA Stars Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington Discuss Criticism and Double Standards in the League

WNBA players Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington recently opened up about the challenges they face with criticism from newer fans during an episode of Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel. Both players have been at the center of controversy, particularly involving their interactions with rising star Caitlin Clark. Reese and Carrington shared their frustrations about the harsh comments they’ve received, highlighting the double standards they feel are applied to them as Black women in the league.

Reese has been a target of criticism since the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game, where she mocked Clark after leading LSU to victory over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. The criticism intensified in 2024 when Reese and her Chicago Sky teammates were involved in several controversial fouls on Clark during WNBA games. Similarly, Carrington faced backlash after an incident where she accidentally gave Clark a black eye with her fingernail during a playoff game. Carrington has also been vocal about her frustrations with Clark and her fan base, calling out the harsh comments she’s received.

One of the most painful aspects of the criticism for both players is the focus on their appearance. Reese expressed frustration over comments about her makeup, hair, lashes, nails, and outfits, saying, "I hate when people say that, ‘Oh she’s too worried about her makeup and her hair and her lashes and her nails and her outfits.’" Carrington, while less bothered by such comments, shared her annoyance with people questioning her decision to have blonde hair. "I hate when people talk about that, like, ‘Why do you have blonde hair?’" Carrington said. "I got black eyebrows. I got black arm hair, black leg hair … and I don’t care. I’m still a natural blonde."

Reese also pointed out the broader double standards that WNBA players face regarding their appearance. "They complain and say that WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough. We don’t dress cute enough. They don’t want to watch a bunch of little boys running around the court. Now, we’re too much," Reese said. She laughed at the irony of being criticized for being too masculine while also facing judgment for embracing femininity. "I don’t be getting it, like d— I can’t put a little lip gloss on?" Reese added, highlighting the absurdity of the expectations placed on them.

Adding another layer to the conversation, Reese indirectly addressed the perception of certain players in the league when she listed the WNBA’s "baddies"—a term she used to describe players who are confident, stylish, and attractive. "They knew who the baddies were, you [Carrington], me, Cameron [Brink], Kia [Nurse]," Reese said, notably leaving Clark off the list. While neither player explicitly mentioned Clark during the episode, the omission sparked speculation about Reese’s feelings toward her rival.

Ultimately, Reese and Carrington’s comments underscore the challenges WNBA players face in navigating criticism from fans while staying true to themselves. Their conversation highlights the broader issues of double standards, appearance-based criticism, and the complexities of being a Black woman in a sport that often struggles with inclusivity and acceptance. As the league continues to evolve, players like Reese and Carrington are leading important conversations that could help shape a more supportive and inclusive future for women’s basketball.