Angel Reese may only be 24 years old, but it feels like she has already experienced a lifetime in the public eye. While she is just in her third professional season in the WNBA, Reese has quickly become one of the most criticized players in history.

Naturally, such a relentless amount of scrutiny has forced Reese to find ways to protect herself from falling into the cycle of anxiety that can come from constantly hearing what social media has to say about her.

And in a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, Reese revealed the methods she has applied in her everyday life for blocking out the noise.

"Adversity builds character, and I think I’ve been able to build a strong sense of self. I think I built myself to not even be bothered by certain things." Reese said.

"Or even if things do affect me, I let myself be affected for one second and don’t let one second ruin a whole entire day. It’s dealing with things and taking things with a grain of salt. A lot of things are by perspective." The Atlanta Dream star added.

Reese acknowledged that while she has gradually become more thick-skinned over the years, she still feels the same emotions as anyone else.

Apart from her on-court performances and life outside the court, the constant comparisons with Caitlin Clark have taken a negative turn at times and taken a toll on her.

But despite all factors, Reese believes adversity has forged her into who she is now, allowing her to develop a stronger sense of self.

Speaking of adversity, well, Reese has found herself in another one recently, this time involving her friend and USAB teammate Paige Bueckers as well.

Angel Reese is Under the Public Lens Once Again

Ahead of the game between the Atlanta Dream and the Dallas Wings, Reese and Bueckers seemingly made a friendly bet over whose team would win, which raised eyebrows when the WNBA itself posted it on social media.

In the video, Reese holds up $400 in cash and reminds Bueckers about the bet before playing against each other. The WNBA made no mistake about what the video was, calling it a bet in the caption of the post before later deleting it altogether.

While it is not unusual for leagues to promote gambling, players betting on their own games is considered a golden rule break, as it violates the collective bargaining agreement.

Thankfully for the duo, no punishment or even a warning was given out by the WNBA, which issued a statement over the controversy.

"While the social media post was intended to be lighthearted, WNBA players are well aware of the league's policies prohibiting betting on WNBA games and receive training every year reinforcing those policies..." the league issued, per The Athletic's Annie Costabile.

"We will also use this as an opportunity to reemphasize with the players involved that conversations about wagering on WNBA games, even when intended as a joke, can have negative consequences."

Fans quickly erupted on social media, comparing this scenario to the likes of the NBA and other major American leagues, saying that such an incident would have resulted in heavy fines and suspensions.

Safe to say, both the league and the players won't be as carefree while publishing content for the world to see.

So, do you think Angel Reese should be penalized over this matter, even if it is friendly banter? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy