Skip Bayless Unleashes on Angel Reese: ‘Jealousy and Bitterness’ at the Heart of Her Latest Caitlin Clark Foul?

The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has transcended the basketball court. What started as competitive matchups has evolved into one of the most polarizing storylines of the 2025 WNBA season. This week, it reached a boiling point when sports media veteran Skip Bayless publicly called out Reese for what he described as “jealousy and bitterness” following a controversial foul on Clark.

The Foul That Sparked a Media Storm

During a highly anticipated game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, tension ran high throughout four quarters. But the defining moment came late in the second half, when Angel Reese committed what officials classified as a flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark. The replay showed Reese making excessive contact as Clark attempted a layup. The crowd gasped. Fans online erupted.

The referee quickly issued a flagrant-1. Reese, as expected, waved it off with a shake of her head and continued playing. Clark, though visibly shaken, finished the game. But the foul wasn’t forgotten.

Reese Responds: “This is Basketball, Not Ballet”

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After the game, Reese faced a barrage of questions in the postgame press conference. Calm but unapologetic, she downplayed the situation.

“It’s basketball,” she said. “It’s physical. Always has been. Always will be. I get hit just as hard every night, but I don’t complain.”

However, she also added a subtle jab that seemed to be aimed directly at the ongoing media narrative favoring Caitlin Clark.

“Funny how some people get hit once and the world stops. Some of us get hit every game and it’s just another Tuesday,” Reese noted with a smirk.

Skip Bayless: “This Wasn’t Just a Foul — It Was a Message”

Skip Bayless wasted no time jumping into the conversation. On his FS1 talk show the following morning, he delivered a scathing commentary on Reese’s conduct and postgame demeanor.

“What I saw from Angel Reese wasn’t competitive fire — it was jealousy masked as aggression,” Bayless said. “This was personal. That foul was a statement. And her statement was: ‘I don’t like how popular Caitlin Clark has become.’”

Bayless continued, “Angel has been a rising star. But now, Clark is the face of women’s basketball — and some players clearly aren’t handling that well.”

His comments quickly trended across sports Twitter, drawing both applause and outrage.

Fan Reactions: Polarized and Passionate

Bayless’s take on the situation split the sports world down the middle.

Supporters of Angel Reese felt Bayless was reinforcing a double standard in how physical women’s basketball is judged — especially when a Black player like Reese is involved.

“She plays with intensity and gets labeled bitter. Clark plays with intensity and she’s praised as a hero,” one fan tweeted. “You don’t see the problem?”

Another added, “Skip Bayless is always looking for a narrative. Reese is just playing hard-nosed basketball like she always has.”

On the other side, many fans and commentators sided with Bayless, echoing his sentiment that Clark deserves better protection and that Reese crossed the line.

“Skip is right on this one,” one viewer commented on YouTube. “That wasn’t hustle, that was targeting.”

Is the WNBA Picking Favorites?

Some media figures argue that the league is unintentionally fanning the flames by promoting certain players more heavily than others. Caitlin Clark has appeared in a series of high-profile marketing campaigns this season and has driven ticket sales to record highs — but it comes with added scrutiny for her opponents.

Meanwhile, players like Angel Reese, despite strong performances and dedicated fanbases, feel overlooked.

“There’s a perception — fair or not — that Clark is the league’s golden child,” said sports analyst Jamila James on her podcast. “When that happens, rivalries get sharper. Emotions run hotter. We’ve seen it in men’s sports for decades. It’s new here in the WNBA, but it’s not new to sports.”

Clark Keeps Quiet, But the Message Is Clear

Caitlin Clark, to her credit, has largely stayed silent on the drama. She declined to comment on the foul directly, telling reporters, “It’s part of the game. I just want to help my team win.”

Still, her body language during the game — the frustration, the conversation with the refs, the brief glare in Reese’s direction — told its own story. There’s no love lost between the two stars.

Reese’s Reputation: Rising Star or Reluctant Villain?

This incident adds another chapter to what has become an increasingly complicated public perception of Angel Reese. To some, she is the embodiment of competitive excellence — fearless, emotional, unapologetically herself.

To others, she’s becoming the league’s villain — one who invites drama and thrives in conflict.

“This isn’t about whether Reese is a bad person,” said sports columnist Ryan Eastwood. “It’s about optics. And right now, she’s looking like the league’s enforcer, whether she likes it or not.”

Skip Bayless’s Role: Critic or Catalyst?

Bayless’s role in this saga shouldn’t be overlooked. Known for stirring controversy, his comments were deliberate — and effective. He pushed a narrative that might otherwise have faded after 24 hours. Whether you agree with him or not, Bayless helped turn a flagrant foul into a national debate.

“He knows exactly what buttons to press,” said WNBA insider Leah Watkins. “And he pressed all of them.”

The Bigger Picture: A Rivalry That Might Save the WNBA

For all the debate and controversy, one thing is certain: the Reese-Clark rivalry is drawing eyes to the league in record numbers.

“Rivalries are the heartbeat of sports,” said former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy. “You need that edge, that story, that personal tension. It’s what keeps fans coming back.”

Whether it’s real animosity or just intense competition, Reese and Clark have given the WNBA something priceless: buzz.

What Comes Next?

The WNBA has not issued a disciplinary statement, and it’s unclear if Reese will face any consequences. What is clear, however, is that all eyes will be on the next Fever vs. Sky game. The matchup is already being billed as a must-watch event.

As for Reese and Bayless? Don’t expect either to back down.

This rivalry has legs. And so does the conversation around it.