In the latest chapter of the growing rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, sports commentator Skip Bayless has entered the conversation—this time with harsh words for Reese, following a now-viral incident during a recent WNBA game.

The Chicago Sky’s matchup against the Indiana Fever was already highly anticipated, given the intense history between Reese and Clark that goes back to their college days. But when Reese made what many perceived as an intentional hard foul on Clark during a drive to the basket, social media erupted with debate. Some called it a cheap shot, while others defended it as simply part of the game.

Bayless, however, wasted no time sharing his opinion on national television.

“Let’s get real,” Bayless began. “Angel Reese may be tough, she may be talented, but she’s letting her emotions and ego get in the way of what should be a beautiful moment for women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark is bringing in record viewership. She’s not out here for drama. She’s here to play.”

The incident in question involved a hard check from Reese that sent Clark to the ground. Though no flagrant foul was assessed during the game, the physicality of the play and Reese’s body language immediately afterward sparked widespread conversation. Some fans believed Reese was simply playing aggressive defense, while others, including Bayless, felt it crossed the line into unnecessary theatrics.

“Caitlin Clark has been targeted, pushed, shoved, and now she’s getting hit like that on a fast break? Come on,” Bayless said. “We’re not going to pretend this is normal. That wasn’t basketball—it was a message. And it’s the wrong one.”

Bayless also pointed out that this isn’t the first time Reese has made headlines for her attitude on the court. In the 2023 NCAA Championship game, she famously taunted Clark with the “you can’t see me” gesture during the final moments of LSU’s win over Iowa. While many praised Reese for her confidence, others criticized her for poor sportsmanship.

“There’s a difference between passion and provocation,” Bayless said. “Caitlin’s not out there taunting anyone. She’s getting beat up every game and still showing up with class. Meanwhile, Reese is more focused on personal rivalries than raising the game.”

Many fans agree with Bayless, arguing that the WNBA is finally getting the attention it deserves thanks to stars like Clark, who recently set records for jersey sales and attendance. They believe the spotlight should remain on the skill, not the drama.

However, others believe Bayless is being too harsh, and that Reese is simply showing competitiveness and grit—qualities often celebrated in male athletes. Supporters of Reese argue that she’s being unfairly targeted and that strong women of color often face disproportionate criticism for the same behavior that white male athletes are praised for.

“Let’s not pretend this is just about basketball,” one fan tweeted. “There’s a double standard here, and we all know it.”

But Bayless rejected this argument on his show, saying: “This has nothing to do with race or gender. This is about professionalism. Period. The WNBA is finally on the rise, and we need leaders who set a standard, not stir up sideshows.”

Despite the criticism, Angel Reese has not publicly commented on Bayless’s remarks. Her coach defended her after the game, saying Reese “plays with heart and intensity,” and that the play was just “part of the game.” Caitlin Clark, for her part, remained poised, brushing off the incident in the post-game interview and focusing instead on her team’s performance.

“I’m just here to play basketball and help my team win,” Clark said. “I’m not focused on anything else.”

This rivalry, whether viewed as toxic or entertaining, has undoubtedly brought more eyes to the WNBA. The debate over Reese’s actions and Bayless’s commentary reflects the broader tension between promoting individuality and maintaining professionalism in sports.

With the season just heating up and both players expected to remain central figures in the league’s future, this won’t be the last time we hear about Reese vs. Clark—or Bayless’s thoughts on the matter.

For now, though, Bayless has made his stance clear: “Angel Reese needs to decide whether she wants to be a star, or just a spectacle. Because right now, she’s choosing the latter.0