Basketball star Angel Reese has spoken candidly about winning her third BET Sportswomanship Award, admitting that the honor “meant something to people because it’s me.”
The Maryland native got emotional while reflecting on the pressure and scrutiny she continues to face both on and off the court.
During a recent interview, Angel acknowledged that her recent performances have not been her best but emphasized her focus on improving daily.
“I haven’t been playing well at all, and I could mope or point fingers, but it’s been me,” Angel said. “I take accountability, try to be better than the last day. I don’t complain. I don’t care about anything else. I’m just here to go to work every day and go home.”
Despite the outside noise, Angel made it clear that basketball remains her top priority—not awards or public opinion. She vowed to keep pushing forward, determined to get back to her peak form.
Following their June 10 loss against the New York Liberty, teammate Ariel Atkins fiercely defended Angel during the post-game press conference. When reporters began steering questions toward Angel’s off-court image and criticism, Ariel shut them down immediately, making it known she’d only address basketball-related topics.
Ariel also praised Angel’s resilience:
“The amount of crap she gets on a day-to-day and still shows up? Her crown is heavy,” Ariel said. “Y’all wanna come at her for how she acts, but she knows who she is. She’s built a wall because if she doesn’t, people will break her down—not just for how she looks, but how she carries herself.”
Ariel made it clear: Angel’s strength and confidence are unshakeable. No matter the criticism, Angel remains focused on her game and refuses to let negativity dim her light.
Claressa caused a frenzy on June 10 after she hopped on X to vent about her BET loss. The boxing star, who was also in attendance at the ceremony alongside her boo Papoose, initially suggested she thought the award was based on “accolades” accumulated from that year.
Fans came for her, though, and the comments were on fire! But Claressa quickly cleared the air hours later, insisting she’s got “mad respect” for Angel and other female athletes. However, she stood her ground, too.
“I’m not joining in on any hate train when it comes to Angel Reese,” she wrote. “As for my earlier comments, I was shocked I didn’t win. I thought the category was graded on awards. It’s okay to be a competitor.”
I’m not joining in on any hate train when it comes to Angle Reese, I have mad respect for her and all the other female athletes that excel in their sport. As for my earlier comments I am allowed to express my feelings, I was shocked I didnt win, I was under the impression the…
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) June 11, 2025
