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The NCAA women’s basketball championship game on April 2, 2023, between Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and Angel Reese’s Louisiana State University Tigers became a focal point of controversy. During the intense moments of the game, Reese directed a taunt at Clark, pointing to her ring finger and making the iconic “You can’t see me” hand gesture popularized by John Cena, implying a championship ring. This move, reminiscent of Clark’s earlier gesture in the Elite Eight, quickly went viral, prompting criticism from various quarters.
CBS Sports writer Danny Kanell, for instance, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, labeling Reese’s actions as “classless.” However, as the backlash against Reese intensified, the discourse took an unexpected turn towards issues of race. Fans who had seemingly overlooked Clark’s previous taunting now questioned whether the differing reactions were indicative of systemic racism in American culture, as pointed out by political journalist Brian Krassenstein on April 3, 2023, a day after the Tigers emerged victorious.
In her defense, Reese explained that her taunt was a response to Clark’s prior use of the “You can’t see me” hand sign, emphasizing that she does not take disrespect lightly, especially when it involves her teammates. Despite initial perceptions of animosity, Reese and Clark later clarified their true feelings for each other, dispelling notions of a rivalry.
A few days after the championship game, Caitlin Clark, the John Wooden Award winner, weighed in on the controversy, expressing support for Reese. She acknowledged that trash talk is part of the game and emphasized that it wasn’t just a personal issue between her and Reese. Clark also revealed her admiration for Reese, putting to rest any lingering speculation of animosity between the two basketball stars.
In the following month, Reese expressed her disappointment that the on-court exchange had overshadowed Louisiana State University’s victory during an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” She highlighted the historic nature of the game, with nearly 10 million viewers tuning in, and acknowledged the bigger picture beyond the individual players.
Surprisingly, the supposed rivalry took an unexpected turn when Reese, speaking on October 6, 2023, expressed genuine admiration for Clark, revealing their long history of competing since their AAU days. Reese even hinted at the possibility of being teammates in the future, further solidifying the mutual respect between the two athletes.
The controversy surrounding Reese and Clark extended beyond the basketball court when First Lady Jill Biden suggested inviting both LSU and Iowa to the White House. Clark, however, diplomatically suggested that LSU should enjoy the moment. Biden’s informal invitation stirred immediate backlash, leading to White House representatives clarifying that only the NCAA champions, LSU, would be invited.
Reese, initially contemplating skipping the White House visit due to the emotional toll, ultimately decided to attend. During the visit, she shared a touching hug with Jill Biden, emphasizing the resilience and hard work of the LSU Tigers throughout the year. The entire episode not only showcased the dynamics of competition and camaraderie in women’s basketball but also touched on broader societal issues, making it a memorable chapter in the history of the NCAA.