Claressa Shields Shoots Veiled Insult at BET for Naming Angel Reese Sportswoman of the Year

Claressa Shields, the world-renowned boxing champion, has taken to social media to express her disappointment after losing out on the BET Sportswoman of the Year award, which went to former LSU star Angel Reese. While Shields offered a “congratulatory” tweet to Reese, her words were laced with a clear sense of frustration and bitterness, raising eyebrows in the sports community.

The Controversy Over the Selection

Shields and Reese were both nominated for the prestigious award at the BET Awards, which took place over the weekend. Other notable athletes, including A’ja Wilson, Coco Gauff, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Simone Biles, were also nominated, but it was Reese who ultimately won the honor. This marked Reese’s third time claiming the title, a notable achievement considering her impressive rookie season with the Chicago Sky, where she led the league in rebounds until an injury cut her season short.

While Reese’s performance certainly garnered praise, her win has not been without controversy. Some critics, including Shields, believe that the selection was not entirely reflective of Reese’s performance in comparison to other deserving athletes.

Shields’ Backhanded Compliment

While Shields took to Twitter to offer her congratulations to Reese and the other nominees, her post seemed to mask underlying resentment. “Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the @BETAwards but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other Nominees 🤷🏽‍♀️ I just thought accolades mattered,” Shields wrote, making it clear that she felt her own impressive achievements had been overlooked.

Shields’ recent accomplishments certainly warrant recognition—she won the WBO light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight titles in 2024 and the WBA heavyweight title earlier this year, cementing her legacy in the boxing world. However, the BET Awards decided to go in a different direction, favoring Reese’s accomplishments in women’s basketball, particularly her contributions to the Chicago Sky’s success and the dominant performances she delivered throughout her first season.

The Value of Accolades

Shields’ frustration stems from her belief that accomplishments should speak for themselves, particularly when it comes to prestigious honors like Sportswoman of the Year. While Reese’s triumphs were undeniable, many have questioned whether the award was truly reflective of the broader sports landscape, particularly when taking into account Shields’ global success in the ring.

Shields’ tweet, while acknowledging Reese’s victory, seems to suggest that her own achievements in boxing—arguably more significant on a global scale—should have earned her the honor instead. “I just thought accolades mattered,” Shields added, underscoring her feeling that her hard-earned success was overshadowed by a different narrative in the BET selection process.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

The reaction from fans has been divided. Some sided with Shields, arguing that her accomplishments in boxing should have placed her in the running for the title. Others, however, supported Reese’s win, noting that she was a dominant force in her own right and had earned recognition for her impressive rookie season in the WNBA.

Shields’ frustration is understandable, considering the rigor of her career and the physical and mental toughness required to succeed in boxing. However, it’s clear that BET’s decision to award Reese the title reflects the changing landscape of women’s sports, where basketball is continuing to rise in prominence, and younger athletes like Reese are making waves on a global stage.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Shields?

While Shields may not have won the award this time, she remains one of the most dominant figures in women’s boxing, and her future in the sport continues to shine. Her decision to speak out after losing the BET honor is likely a reflection of her determination to get the recognition she feels she deserves, even when the system doesn’t always reward her. For Reese, the win is a huge milestone in her burgeoning career, and she is sure to continue making waves as she progresses in her basketball journey.

Shields and Reese may be competing in different arenas, but the spotlight is now firmly on both women as they continue to break barriers in their respective sports. Whether or not they receive the accolades they believe they deserve, both women’s legacies are growing stronger every day.