Amanda Seales did not hold back when discussing the backlash Angel Reese faced following her emotional post-game interview after LSU’s loss to Iowa in the NCAA tournament.
During her post-game press conference, Angel Reese expressed her emotions and shared the distressing news that she has received death threats and has been sexualized. She also mentioned that she hasn’t experienced peace since winning a national championship last year. However, Emmanuel Acho, a sports analyst, made some controversial remarks about her, which sparked significant backlash. In a previous episode of SPEAK, Acho stated, “Angel Reese, you can’t be the big bad wolf and then kind of cry like Courage the Cowardly Dog. Nobody mourns when the villain catches an L, and, Angel Reese, you’re self-proclaimed to be the villain. Shoutout to you because you were the second-best basketball player on the court [against Iowa], and it was not close.” These comments garnered strong criticism and further intensified the conversation surrounding Angel Reese’s situation.
Black women have historically been the most marginalized group in America, but I’m going to give a gender neutral and racially indifferent take on Angel Reese:
“In sports, you can’t act like the big bad wolf, then cry like courage the cowardly dog.” pic.twitter.com/aUtxZ7JHk4
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 2, 2024
Acho did not offer an apology for his comments, but he did acknowledge the criticism he received. He took to social media to express gratitude towards those who had respectfully reprimanded him.
“I’m not here to proclaim that I’m right and you’re wrong,” he expressed. “I’m just here to share my beliefs and encourage a dialogue. Let’s take the time to listen to each other and shape our shared beliefs together.”
Angel Reese has chosen not to address the comments, instead opting to ignore them and remain focused on the upcoming WNBA draft. As the No. 7 overall pick, she has been selected to join the Chicago Sky. Her professional basketball career is set to commence next month, allowing the world to witness her adaptation to the challenges of playing at the highest level.