Ariel Atkins DEFENDS Angel Reese in viral VIDEO as backlash over ‘unfair TREATMENT’ ignites firestorm — fans question if outrage is real or a media-manufactured narrative

In a heated and emotional moment caught on video, Ariel Atkins didn’t hold back. Blasting the “amount of crap” Angel Reese faces off the court, her passionate defense of the rising WNBA star is now stirring even more controversy. But some are asking—was this a heartfelt stand or a calculated move to reframe the public narrative? As fans debate, tensions escalate over whether Reese is being unfairly targeted… or if there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Tap below to watch the clip and uncover what everyone’s now questioning.

Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese (Photo via Twitter)
On social media, Angel Reese has a lot of haters.

Reese had her most productive game of the young WNBA season on Tuesday night when she dropped 17 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, dished three assists, and nabbed two steals.

Unfortunately, it was not enough, as the New York Liberty blew out the Chicago Sky.

After such a strong performance in the Chicago Sky’s blowout loss to the reigning champion New York Liberty, one reporter asked if a stat line like that would help against the online scrutiny she’s constantly facing.

Reese said she doesn’t think about it, but instead, she chooses to focus on the support she receives in person.

Before anybody could interject and ask any follow-up questions, Angel Reese’s teammate, Ariel Atkins, stepped in to defend her against that line of questioning.

“Can I say something? This is a 23-year-old kid,” Atkins said via The Athletic.

“And the amount of crap she gets on a day-to-day, and she still shows up. Whatever questions y’all got like about our team, basketball-wise, we appreciate it, but all the other nonsense, like it’s irrelevant. This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy.”

Atkins, a two-time All-Star and WNBA champion with the Washington Mystics, added: “(Reese) has to have a wall because if she doesn’t, people will break her down,” Atkins said.

“Not only because of the way she looks but because of the way she carries herself. She doesn’t just walk around and act like, ‘Oh, I’m this.’ No, she knows who she is, and we ain’t going to break her down for that. So whatever other questions y’all got, like, I’m hoping it’s just about basketball, maybe a box score question, but the kid’s crown is heavy. Like respect that.”

In the midst of her speech, Reese could be seen becoming extremely emotional.

Angel Reese makes History

Angel Reese (Photo via Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)
Angel Reese has added another award to her prolific professional resume.

On Monday night, the Chicago Sky forward was named the Sportswoman of the Year at the BET Awards. With her third consecutive win in the category, Reese joined fellow athlete and SI Swimsuit model Serena Williams as the only athlete to ever secure the coveted title three times.

Her latest accomplishment came hours before the former All-Star was deemed the quickest WNBA player ever to notch 30 double-doubles.