In an emotional and candid moment that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, Angel Reese, one of the league’s brightest stars, shared her feelings of being disrespected and marginalized due to her race. The 23-year-old has been vocal about the challenges she faces, not just on the court, but off it as well. Her powerful words, “They don’t respect me just because I’m Black,” have left fans, fellow players, and pundits alike questioning the culture within the league and the mental toll that comes with it.

For those who follow Reese’s career, it’s clear she’s been a force to be reckoned with. The former LSU standout, who led her team to a national championship, has continued to dominate in the WNBA, showing off her talent and leadership skills. But behind the athletic prowess and accolades, Reese has been struggling with the underlying issues of racism, stereotyping, and unequal treatment.

Her comments come in the wake of multiple incidents where Reese felt her accomplishments were overlooked or downplayed, with many attributing her success to factors other than her skill and determination. “It’s frustrating,” Reese admitted, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’ve worked my entire life to be where I am, and yet, so much of my success is brushed aside because of the color of my skin.”

The most recent instance that prompted Reese to open up was a series of comments made by prominent figures in the sports media who questioned her place in the league, with some dismissing her achievements as part of a racial narrative. Reese has made it clear that this isn’t just about her—it’s a much larger issue affecting countless athletes of color who feel as though they’re not given the same respect and recognition as their counterparts.

As Reese began to reflect on her struggles, she became visibly emotional, speaking about the impact this constant disrespect has had on her mental health. “I don’t know how much longer I can take this,” she confessed, choking back tears. “It’s exhausting to fight for respect every day, when all I want to do is play the game I love.”

The pressure of living up to her own standards, while constantly battling against stereotypes and facing a lack of support from the community, has weighed heavily on Reese. “It’s hard when the very people you’re working with don’t see you as a person first—they just see your skin color and assume things about you,” she said.

Her words struck a chord with many, including fellow players, who have come forward to express their solidarity. In a sport where women of color already face an uphill battle for visibility and recognition, Reese’s candidness has sparked a much-needed conversation about race, respect, and mental health in professional sports. Several players, especially women of color, have echoed her sentiments, sharing their own experiences of feeling marginalized or misunderstood in the spotlight.

Despite the overwhelming support, there remains a serious question at the heart of this issue: will the WNBA address the systemic disrespect that Reese and others have faced? The league has yet to issue an official statement, leaving many to wonder if this is a moment of reckoning or simply another instance of a star athlete’s struggles being swept under the rug.

Reese has not ruled out retirement, though she remains determined to find a way to keep fighting. “I want to keep playing, I really do,” she said. “But I can’t keep pretending that everything is okay when I’m hurting inside.”

Her words have raised difficult questions for the WNBA, the media, and the larger sports world. It’s clear that this is no longer just about basketball—this is about how we, as a society, treat athletes of color, especially women, and whether we’re truly committed to creating a culture that values their humanity over their race.

As Angel Reese contemplates her future in the WNBA, fans are left with a stark reminder of the mental and emotional toll that comes with being a Black athlete in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry. While it’s impossible to say what comes next for Reese, one thing is clear: her bravery in speaking out is forcing the sports world to reckon with its own shortcomings, and for that, she deserves all the respect she’s fought for.

Only time will tell if this pivotal moment leads to lasting change, but one thing is certain—Angel Reese is no longer staying silent. Whether she stays in the WNBA or moves on to another chapter, her voice will continue to resonate far beyond the court.