In a dramatic and emotionally charged turn of events, WNBA star Angel Reese has officially broken her silence after being voted the “worst player” in a viral fan poll and completely left out of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.
The shocking fan backlash and her exclusion from one of the league’s biggest showcases have sparked outrage, fierce debate, and now—an unfiltered response from Reese herself. The Chicago Sky rookie, who’s been both celebrated and criticized since entering the league, has made it clear: she’s done staying quiet.
And her message is loud and clear.
The Poll That Sparked the Firestorm
The controversy began when a viral online poll—circulating on sports forums and fan pages—asked fans to name “the most overrated WNBA player of 2025.” Angel Reese topped the poll by a wide margin, with harsh comments labeling her “all hype, no game,” “a walking foul,” and “too focused on social media to be elite.”
The poll gained traction across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, trending under hashtags like #ReeseOverrated and #WNBACloutQueen. Within 48 hours, ESPN, Barstool Sports, and multiple sports podcasts were weighing in, some agreeing with the harsh sentiment, others condemning the entire premise as sexist, hateful, and personal.
All-Star Game Snub Adds Fuel to the Fire
As if the poll wasn’t enough, the official WNBA All-Star Game roster dropped days later—with Angel Reese nowhere in sight. Despite leading all rookies in rebounds per game and setting multiple franchise records for double-doubles, she was completely left off both the starting lineup and the reserve list.
“How do you leave out someone who’s top 3 in rebounds and averaging a double-double?” asked former WNBA star Cappie Pondexter on a sports talk show. “This ain’t about performance. This is personal.”
Fans were quick to point out that less statistically impressive players had made the list—many suspect due to popularity, veteran status, or simply league politics.
Angel Reese Breaks Her Silence: “Keep That Same Energy”
After days of silence, Angel Reese finally responded—and she didn’t hold back. Taking to Instagram Live, she addressed the poll, the snub, and the wider disrespect she’s felt throughout her rookie season.
“Y’all can keep the All-Star Game,” she said. “I don’t need a title to know I’m a star. And as for the ‘worst player’ talk? Tell that to the scoreboard.”
She continued:
“I came into this league with more pressure and more hate than anyone. I’m still here. I’m still showing up. Y’all hate confidence when it’s wrapped in a Black girl who won’t shrink for you.”
Her message was unapologetic, raw, and passionate—and fans lit up the comment section with support. Within an hour, her live session had over 600,000 views and was reposted by WNBA legends, celebrities, and media figures alike.
Social Media Reacts: Division and Defiance
The internet exploded. Supporters of Reese praised her for standing up to bullying and double standards.
“Let’s be real—if a male rookie had Angel’s numbers and media pull, they’d be building statues,” wrote ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth.
“They want her to be quiet, humble, and grateful. She’s loud, proud, and dominant. And they can’t handle that,” tweeted one fan.
But critics didn’t back down.
“She’s a good player, not a great one. Her ego’s bigger than her game,” one user posted on Reddit.
Others blamed the league itself for allowing fan discourse to spiral into toxicity, with zero protection for rising stars like Reese.
Fellow Players Rally Behind Her
Reese’s teammates and several other WNBA stars quickly came to her defense. Chicago Sky veteran Kahleah Copper said in an interview:
“Angel works harder than anybody. She takes the hits, literally and emotionally, and keeps showing up. That’s a real one.”
Even rivals chimed in. Caitlin Clark—often positioned as Reese’s media “rival”—liked multiple supportive posts defending Reese, signaling a rare moment of unity between two of the most talked-about rookies in years.
What This Means for Angel Reese—and the WNBA
The backlash and the response have highlighted bigger issues within the WNBA: the growing divide between new-age media-savvy athletes and traditionalist fans, the racial and gendered lens through which female athletes are judged, and the mounting pressure on young stars to be both elite performers and perfect personalities.
“Angel Reese is polarizing because she’s powerful,” said sports journalist Jemele Hill. “And that’s exactly why she’s important.”
Conclusion: She’s Not Going Anywhere
Love her or hate her, Angel Reese is not backing down. From NCAA Champion to WNBA lightning rod, she’s built a brand, a voice, and a movement that can’t be ignored.
Her All-Star snub may have taken her out of the game—but her response has put her right back in the center of the conversation.
And if her words are any indication, she’s only just getting started.
