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Caitlin Clark weighs in on Angel Reese, "trash talk"

On3 imageby:Shea Dixon•04/04/23•

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clark-reese
Photo: On3

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark has weighed in on the discussion around LSU star Angel Reese and the celebrations during Sunday’s women’s national championship.

When Clark first spoke on the issue, she was quick to shut down any notion that Reese should have received backlash following LSU’s win.

Clark joined Jeremy Schapp for “Outside The Lines” on Tuesday’s edition of SportsCenter and addressed the discussion around the trash-talking at the end of Sunday’s game. The conversation started when Reese did the “You can’t see me” gesture toward Clark in the final minute of LSU’s 102-85 victory, and she’s been accused of being “classless” and “unsportsmanlike” as a result.

Clark, who also did the gesture in the Elite Eight, didn’t see it that way, though. She told Schapp she doesn’t think criticism is warranted.

“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” Clark told Schapp. “No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I’m just one that competes and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talking the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel. So I don’t think she should be criticized, like I said. LSU deserves it. They played so well. Like I said, I’m a big fan of hers.”

Caitlin Clark: ‘We all show our emotions in a different way’

Much of the criticism has gone Reese’s way, but Clark reiterated she doesn’t see it that way. She said it was a case of two competitors in the heat of a big game and there’s no ill will toward Reese, who she respects.

“I think the biggest thing is we’re all competitive, we all show our emotions in a different way,” Clark said. “Angel’s a tremendous, tremendous player. I have nothing but respect for her. I love her game. The way she rebounds the ball, scores the ball is absolutely incredible. I’m a big fan of her. And even the entire LSU team, like I said, they played an amazing game. I don’t think there should be any criticism for what she did. I honestly didn’t see it when the game was going on and like I said, I haven’t been on social media really at all.

“I’m just trying to reflect back on what this team did and enjoy every single second with my teammates because we have two really good seniors that are moving on that have meant a lot. They’ve been some of my best friends while I’ve been here at the University of Iowa. I’m just lucky enough that I got to play on that stage and have that opportunity with them. I believe I get to play for one of the best coaches of all time in Coach Bluder. She believes in me more than anybody ever has. I’m just, more than anything, lucky.”

Editor’s note: On3’s Nick Schultz reporting

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