Ever since Angel Reese threw up the “you can’t see me” gesture at Caitlin Clark in the waning minutes of LSU’s national championship victory over Iowa on Sunday, the discourse has been loud and volatile.
There have been lots of discussions around “disrespect” and “class” and “sportsmanship,” not to mention the double standard that Reese was seemingly held to when Clark did the same thing to her opponents the week prior.
A lot of that conversation has been happening around Reese and Clark, but not involving them. Now, Clark has made her position clear on the gesture on whether or not she was offended by the gesture and if she has any problems with Reese.
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” Clark told ESPN during an appearance on Tuesday afternoon, “No matter what way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I competed, she competed.”
“It was a super, super fun game. I think that’s what’s going to bring more people to our game.”
Clark also commented on the criticism Angel Reese has gotten for doing the 'You can't see me' gesture, which Clark had also done in the tournament.
“I don't think Angel should be criticized at all. No matter what way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. " pic.twitter.com/aiXxoIgTno
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2023
A lot of people around the college basketball world are hoping that Clark’s words put an end to the drama and debate, as she clearly has no problem with any of it.
“Oh look, Caitlin Clark can indeed take it just as well as she can dish it out. We need a few thousand more Caitlin Clarks in college and professional athletics. She is such an impressive human,” said Matt Burnell.
“Perfect response by Clark. And now we can all look forward to next year. Hopefully there’s a regular season rematch booked,” said Lucas Meyer.
“Caitlin Clark does not think people should be mad at Angel Reese for taunting her at the end of the game. Case closed,” said The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach.
Hopefully, this is just the start of a great rivalry and we’ll see Iowa and LSU match up again next year in the NCAA Tournament.
