Angel Reese confronted disparaging remarks made about her during a Major League Baseball game broadcast on Tuesday night, pushing back firmly against the comments. The Chicago Sky star became the subject of a joke by Philadelphia Phillies commentator John Kruk while the Phillies played the Chicago White Sox.

During the top of the sixth inning, as the Phillies held a 6-0 lead, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Tom McCarthy praised a friend by calling him a “heck of a basketball player” in the midst of a birthday greeting. McCarthy humorously noted,

“It’s all because I missed a lot of shots, and he cleaned them up.”

In response, Kruk added,

“There’s someone here in Chicago that does that a lot,”

indirectly referencing Angel Reese’s rebounding skills.

McCarthy acknowledged Reese’s scoring ability, stating she “gets her points,” to which Kruk replied, “She gets her rebounds too.” Kruk then added,

“We’ll be getting some tweets about that, I’m sure,”

anticipating a reaction from Reese and her supporters.

Angel Reese’s Unfiltered Reaction on Social Media

True to Kruk’s prediction, Angel Reese took to social media within the hour to address the comments. On X (formerly known as Twitter), she posted a sharp message:

“Clout is one helluva DRUG. Like it really gets to a point.”

Demonstrating her unwillingness to remain silent, Reese later conveyed a more provocative statement on TikTok, saying,

“To anybody that’s been mean to me, and you’re having a hard time in life, good.”

Performance and Recent Return to the Court

Angel Reese recently returned to the Chicago Sky after missing two games due to a back injury. In her comeback, she recorded 22 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Despite shooting only 6-of-16 from the field, Reese was highly effective from the free-throw line, converting 10-of-11 attempts and leading her team in scoring.

However, Reese’s strong individual effort was not enough to secure a victory, as the Chicago Sky fell to the Washington Mystics.

Ongoing Challenges and Public Scrutiny

Angel Reese’s experience reflects the broader challenges faced by athletes who attract significant public attention and scrutiny. Comments like those from John Kruk illustrate the sometimes intrusive and dismissive attitudes public figures endure, which can impact their professional and personal lives. Reese’s assertive social media responses highlight her refusal to accept unwarranted criticism quietly.

As Reese continues her career with the Chicago Sky and maintains a high level of play, her handling of these public moments suggests she is prepared to face adversity head-on while continuing to build her reputation on the court.