Caitlin Clark says flagrant foul for shoving Angel Reese was not  'malicious' | AP News

WNBA star Angel Reese has filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against fellow basketball player Caitlin Clark. According to Reese, Clark made a disparaging comment about her during a live video stream, suggesting that Reese relied on her looks to gain popularity. The remark, Reese argues, was not only unfounded but also deeply damaging to her public image and career. As a prominent figure in both sports and media, Reese believes the statement misrepresented her and caused undue emotional and professional harm.

The lawsuit claims that Clark’s words were spoken with malicious intent, aiming to tarnish Reese’s character and career prospects. Reese has firmly denied the insinuation and emphasized that such a comment disrespects her hard work, athletic skill, and dedication to the game. Her legal team is seeking $10 million in compensation for the emotional distress and reputational damage they allege the remark has caused. They argue that Clark’s statement crossed a line, especially given the influence both women have as public figures.

Caitlin Clark downplays flagrant foul on Angel Reese in Fever's win over  Sky | Fox News

So far, Clark has not released an official response regarding the legal action. Sources close to her suggest she was taken aback by the lawsuit and that the remark may have been an offhand comment rather than a deliberate insult. Public opinion is currently split—some fans rally behind Reese for standing up against public slander, while others feel the legal action may be too extreme for what they consider a moment of poor judgment.

Interestingly, the lawsuit comes just ahead of the WNBA’s introduction of “Rivals Week,” which features Reese’s Chicago Sky facing off against Clark’s Indiana Fever. The league is capitalizing on their well-known NCAA rivalry, especially after Reese’s LSU defeated Clark’s Iowa team in the 2023 national championship. The anticipation surrounding their professional rematch is already high, and the lawsuit has only intensified public interest.

Outside the court, Reese continues to make headlines for her success. After the 2024 WNBA season, she joined the new 3×3 league, Unrivaled, where she played a key role in helping her team, Rose BC, win the league’s first championship. Her standout performance earned her the Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying her reputation as a force on the court. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Reese remains focused on her goals and advocates for accountability in the public space, emphasizing that words—especially from high-profile figures—carry weight and must be chosen with care.