Tensions have erupted within the Chicago Sky organization after a leaked internal comment from a senior executive allegedly targeted rookie sensation Angel Reese with language fans and players are calling “disrespectful” and “racially insensitive.”

According to multiple sources close to the team, the comment was made behind closed doors but has since gone public — sparking immediate backlash and reigniting conversations about professionalism, race, and respect in the WNBA.

“She’s more interested in fashion shows than free throws,” the executive reportedly said. “She’s lazy in practice and only shows up when there’s a camera involved.”

Though the executive was not named in the initial leak, it was later confirmed by several insiders that the statement was made by the team’s General Manager during a private staff meeting earlier this week — a meeting that, unfortunately for him, was partially recorded and leaked to the press.

Fan Outrage and League-Wide Reaction

The fallout has been swift.

Fans across the league, particularly supporters of Reese, flooded social media with calls for accountability, many accusing the executive of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Hashtags such as #RespectAngelReese and #FireTheGM trended on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the recording’s release.

Former WNBA players and current league personalities also weighed in.

“You don’t talk about your players like that — period,” tweeted retired All-Star Tamika Catchings. “Whether you’re winning or not, that’s not leadership. That’s ego and bias.”

Others took a more measured tone, calling for a full investigation and an official response from both the Chicago Sky and the WNBA.

Angel Reese Breaks Her Silence

Shortly after the news broke, Angel Reese issued a strong and composed response on her personal Instagram story.

“He should remember everything I’ve done for this team,” Reese wrote. “I came here to compete, to grow the game, and to bring my full self. If that’s too much for him, maybe he’s in the wrong job — not me.”

Reese, a standout college champion known for her intensity on the court and her unapologetic personality off it, has become one of the most marketable figures in the WNBA. Her presence has significantly boosted ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and national TV exposure for the Chicago Sky, despite the team’s underwhelming record this season.

A Deeper Issue?

Some commentators have noted that this incident points to deeper systemic issues within professional sports — particularly the double standards faced by Black female athletes.

“When a young Black woman is confident and expressive, she’s called a ‘distraction,’” said sports analyst Jamila Grant. “But when others do the same, it’s ‘charisma’ or ‘swagger.’ What happened here is part of a much bigger problem.”

The WNBA Players Association has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that legal counsel is involved and a formal complaint may be filed by Reese’s representation.

What’s Next?

Calls are growing louder for the Sky organization to respond publicly. As of this writing, the front office has issued only a brief statement acknowledging “unverified reports of internal conflict” and promising a full review.

Meanwhile, fans and media alike await the league’s reaction — one that could set a precedent for how executives are held accountable for their conduct toward players.

One thing is clear: Angel Reese is not backing down.

“I know who I am. I know what I bring,” she wrote. “And I won’t let anyone define me with anything less than respect.”

As the WNBA continues to grow, this controversy may ultimately force a critical conversation: not just about performance and image, but about how players — especially young Black women — are treated behind the scenes.