LSU star Angel Reese Iowa received a lot of criticism on social media for taunting Caitlin Clarke, but at the post-game press conference, He suggested that there was a double standard for what he had done.
Addressing the taunting circle of reporters after the game, Reese said the media was quick to criticize her because she “didn’t fit the narrative.” She said she didn’t hear any criticism about others doing similar celebrations.
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Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers holds the championship trophy as she celebrates the Tigers defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85 during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship game at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Tom Pennington / Getty Images)
“I’m happy. All year long, I was critical of who I was. The narrative — I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit the box you want me to be in. I’m too hood. I ‘I’m so ghetto. You told me that all year,'” Reese said.
“But when other people do it – you all say nothing. So, it’s about girls who look like me. It’s about speaking up for girls that they believe in. It’s unapologetically You are and that’s what I did for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. It was bigger than me. Twitter is going crazy every single time. And, I mean, I’m happy. I think I’ve done more for women this year helped develop basketball in the U.S. I’m super happy and excited. I’m looking forward to celebrating and then to next season.”
Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers speaks during a press conference after the LSU Lady Tigers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85 during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship Game at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023 in Dallas, Texas Are. (Ron Jenkins / Getty Images)
Before taking the podium, Reese told ESPN what she was thinking at the time and supported Clarke as a player. She told how Clark waved to a South Carolina player at the national semifinals on Friday night, who also signaled response from lsu Guard Alexis Morris before the game.
“Caitlin Clarke is certainly a fantastic player, but I don’t take disrespect lightly,” Reese said. “And she disrespected Alexis and South Carolina, they’re still my SEC girls. Don’t you all disrespect them too.”
“I wanted to cut his pocket. I had a moment at the end of the game, and I was just in my bag.”
LSU won the game 102–85 for the program. First National Championship,
April 2, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese (10) points to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) after the final round of the Women’s Final Four NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
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Reese was named of tournament Most outstanding player. He had 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Morris had 21 points and nine assists.