Angel Reese’s Super Bowl Appearance Exposes a Bigger Problem

Angel Reese has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, but her recent Super Bowl appearance took things to a new level. Instead of focusing on her game and silencing critics through performance, she has leaned further into controversy and clout-chasing. While some may argue that Reese is simply enjoying the perks of being a star athlete, her latest moves highlight a growing divide between athletes who prioritize their craft and those who prioritize their image.

The Hypocrisy of Calling Out a Ball Hog

During the Super Bowl, Reese made headlines for criticizing another player for being “selfish” on the court. The irony? Reese herself has been accused of being one of the biggest ball hogs in women’s basketball. Her shot selection has long been a point of contention, with critics pointing out her tendency to force bad shots, ignore open teammates, and rack up rebounds from her own missed attempts.

Social media erupted with reactions, calling out the hypocrisy of her statement. Many pointed to her history of inefficiency, with one fan bluntly stating, “Did she really call someone else selfish when she takes 30 shots and misses 27?” The backlash was swift and merciless, further damaging her already fragile reputation.

Super Bowl Over Basketball? The Priorities Question

While Reese was busy making headlines for her off-court antics, Caitlin Clark was putting in work. Clark, a player widely recognized for her relentless dedication to the game, skipped the Super Bowl to stay focused on basketball. She welcomed her new teammate to Indiana, continued her training, and remained locked in on her future.

Reese, on the other hand, attended the Super Bowl decked out in an eye-catching outfit, ensuring all eyes were on her. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying major events, the contrast between her and Clark could not be more evident. One is dedicated to perfecting her craft; the other appears more interested in maintaining relevance through non-basketball-related appearances.

Viewership and Star Power: The Harsh Reality

One of the biggest indicators of an athlete’s impact is viewership numbers, and this is where Reese’s situation becomes even more concerning. Despite all the media coverage and self-promotion, her actual games struggle to attract significant audiences. Some of her matchups have barely scraped together 100,000 viewers.

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement alone pulled in 1.1 million viewers—without her even playing. That’s right, Clark didn’t need a viral moment, a dramatic feud, or an attention-grabbing outfit. Her basketball skills speak for themselves. The numbers don’t lie: people tune in for Clark. Reese, on the other hand, is struggling to generate interest in her games, which should be a major red flag for her brand and career trajectory.

The Unrivaled League: A Struggle for Relevance

When Reese entered the Unrivaled League, many believed it would be an opportunity for her to prove that she could draw viewers on her own merit. Instead, the league has been largely ignored, failing to generate buzz or excitement. Reese’s presence hasn’t changed that. The truth is, without a major draw like Caitlin Clark, women’s basketball outside of the NCAA tournament has failed to capture mainstream attention.

Reese’s struggles in the league have only fueled her critics. She continues to miss easy shots, force bad plays, and make headlines for everything except her performance. Her inefficient scoring and questionable shot selection have made some question whether she was ever the star she claimed to be.

Angel Reese’s Game vs. Caitlin Clark’s Legacy

One of the biggest differences between Reese and Clark is how they approach the game. Clark has built her career on fundamentals, hard work, and consistency. She doesn’t need flashy outfits, social media antics, or controversy to stay relevant. Her dominance on the court does all the talking. Whether it’s a Nike commercial or a nationally televised game, Clark is a guaranteed draw.

Reese, on the other hand, has built her career on theatrics and self-promotion. From missed layups to forced shots, her actual gameplay does not match her self-created hype. Worse, her presence on the court doesn’t always help her team. There have been instances where her squad played better with her on the bench—a brutal reality that no true star should face.

The Clout Chase and Lack of Growth

Instead of focusing on improving her game, Reese has seemingly prioritized building her personal brand. While her peers grind in the gym, she’s at the latest events, launching podcasts, and complaining about WNBA salaries. Her actions have led many to question whether she truly cares about basketball or if she’s simply using the sport as a stepping stone to fame.

The frustration among basketball purists is palpable. How can someone so inefficient on the court continue to garner so much attention? More importantly, how does Reese expect to be taken seriously if she refuses to put in the necessary work to improve?

A Shaky Future

Reese’s current trajectory is not sustainable. While controversy and media coverage can keep an athlete relevant for a while, true longevity in sports comes from skill and performance. If she doesn’t change her approach soon, her career risks becoming more about missed potential than actual success.

Her critics aren’t just hating for the sake of hating. Many genuinely want to see her improve, but improvement requires accountability—something Reese and her inner circle seem to lack. Instead of addressing her weaknesses, she dismisses criticism as “haters being haters.” However, when the numbers and performances consistently tell the same story, it’s not hate—it’s reality.

The Final Verdict

The contrast between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark could not be clearer. One is focused, dedicated, and dominating her sport. The other is more concerned with staying in the headlines. Reese’s Super Bowl stunt was just another example of why she will never be on Clark’s level—because while Reese is chasing fame, Clark is chasing greatness.

If Reese truly wants to be taken seriously, she needs to step away from the distractions and get back to basketball. Otherwise, her legacy will not be that of a legendary player, but of an athlete who prioritized clout over competition and faded into irrelevance as a result.