VIDEO Goes Viral: Angel Reese Gets Her Hair Yanked During Heated WNBA Game—Then Tries to Take On Entire Opposing Team in Explosive Courtside Altercation

In what has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 WNBA season, Angel Reese—forward for the Chicago Sky and one of the league’s most polarizing stars—found herself at the center of a fiery on-court confrontation. A viral video captured the exact moment Reese had her hair pulled during a tense play under the basket, prompting an immediate and fierce reaction that nearly led to an all-out brawl. The incident, which occurred during a nationally televised game against the Atlanta Dream, has since dominated social media feeds and sparked debates across the basketball world.

But this isn’t just a story about a player defending herself. It’s about rising tensions in the WNBA, the fine line between passion and aggression, and how one player’s fire—both celebrated and criticized—continues to define her young career.

The Incident: What Happened on the Court

The clash happened late in the third quarter, with the Sky trailing by four points. Reese was battling for position in the paint when Atlanta Dream forward Jordin Canada appeared to grab a fistful of her long braided hair during a box-out play. The move, which may or may not have been intentional, immediately sent Reese into a fury.

Cameras caught her spinning around, shouting in Canada’s direction, and charging forward. Teammates and referees rushed in to restrain her, but not before Reese pointed directly at several Dream players and yelled, “Don’t pull my f—ing hair again!” The situation escalated as benches began to stir, and tensions nearly boiled over into a physical fight.

Security and coaching staff intervened just in time to prevent chaos, but the energy inside the arena had already shifted into hostile territory. The referees handed out double technicals, one to Reese and one to Canada, and play resumed amid a chorus of boos and cheers.

Social Media Explodes: “Protect Angel Reese” vs. “She Needs to Chill”

Within minutes of the game’s broadcast, clips of the incident flooded X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Hashtags like #AngelReese, #WNBAFight, and #HairGate began trending nationwide.

Some fans rushed to defend Reese, praising her for standing up for herself and calling out what they viewed as a dirty tactic. “If you pull a woman’s hair in the middle of a professional game, expect consequences,” one viral tweet read. Others argued that Reese’s emotional outbursts were becoming a pattern, claiming she needs to “grow up” and “learn how to keep her cool under pressure.”

“I love Angel Reese, but this is the third time this season she’s been in a sideline scuffle,” wrote ESPN analyst Monica McNutt. “She brings the passion, but she’s walking a fine line between competitive fire and confrontational instability.”

Not Her First Rodeo: A Pattern of Passion and Fire

This isn’t the first time Angel Reese has made headlines for her on-court intensity. Dubbed the “Bayou Barbie,” Reese became a household name during her NCAA championship run with LSU, where her unapologetic swagger and trash talk earned her equal parts admiration and criticism.

Since entering the WNBA, she has continued to polarize audiences. Just last month, she received a technical for clapping in an opponent’s face after a blocked shot. Two weeks before that, she exchanged words with a fan courtside, telling them to “buy better seats if you want to talk sh—.”

To her supporters, this is exactly what the WNBA needs: raw energy, bold personalities, and a refusal to be silenced.

“She plays with heart, and y’all can’t handle it,” wrote one fan on TikTok. “Angel Reese is the face of this new WNBA, like it or not.”

The League Responds: Will There Be Consequences?

Following the altercation, the WNBA released a brief statement acknowledging the incident:

“The league is currently reviewing all footage and game reports from the Chicago Sky vs. Atlanta Dream match-up on July 27. Disciplinary actions, if any, will be announced within 48 hours.”

So far, neither player has been suspended, but experts say the league is walking a tightrope. In an era where the WNBA is gaining unprecedented attention and visibility, every publicized skirmish becomes both a PR challenge and an opportunity.

“Look, this isn’t 2010. The WNBA wants drama now, at least the kind that fuels engagement,” said basketball columnist Jemele Hill. “Angel Reese is trending every week, and the league knows that. But there’s a difference between controlled fire and total combustion. If the WNBA wants to capitalize on this moment, it has to also make sure its stars are protected—and held accountable.”

Reese Speaks Out: “Don’t Play With Me Like That”

After the game, reporters crowded around Reese in the locker room, eager for a quote. Dressed in streetwear and visibly still fuming, she didn’t mince words.

“I don’t care who it is. Teammate, opponent, whatever—don’t put your hands in my hair. That’s not basketball. That’s disrespect,” she said.
“I’ve worked hard to be where I’m at. I play with passion. But don’t cross that line. People love to villainize me, but I’m just protecting myself.”

Her comments garnered even more buzz online, with fans calling her a “real one” for standing up and speaking truth to the situation. Others, however, claimed she was playing the victim and escalating things unnecessarily.

Where Her Teammates Stand

In a show of unity, several of Reese’s teammates took to social media to support her. Sky guard Marina Mabrey posted a photo of the team huddling around Reese, captioning it: “We ride together. Period.”

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon also defended her star forward in the post-game presser:

“Angel is a competitor. She plays with emotion. Do I want it to be channeled better? Of course. But let’s be clear—she was provoked. We’ll handle things in-house, but I stand by my player.”

A League at a Crossroads: Passion vs. Professionalism

The incident raises broader questions about the WNBA’s identity as it navigates mainstream attention. Is the league ready for the cultural heat that comes with breakout stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark? Does the league have the infrastructure to manage escalating rivalries and keep games competitive but respectful?

Former WNBA player Candace Parker chimed in during a TNT segment:

“This league is finally getting the shine it deserves. But with that spotlight comes pressure—on the refs, on the players, on the league office. The key is to harness the fire, not put it out. But hair-pulling? That’s got to be addressed. That’s not toughness. That’s cheap.”

The Bigger Picture: Angel Reese as a Cultural Icon

Love her or hate her, Angel Reese is more than just a basketball player. She’s a brand. A symbol of new-school athleticism where personality, style, and social commentary are as much a part of the game as three-point shots and rebounds.

Her stardom transcends the court. She’s appeared in fashion campaigns, sat front row at New York Fashion Week, and amassed over 5 million followers across platforms. And with every viral moment—good or bad—her influence only grows.

“She’s not just playing the game,” said sports marketer Arielle Chambers. “She’s rewriting the script for what a WNBA star can be.”

Conclusion: What’s Next for Angel Reese and the WNBA?

As the dust settles, fans, critics, and league officials will continue dissecting every angle of the hair-pulling incident. But one thing is clear—Angel Reese isn’t backing down.

In a league fighting for respect, airtime, and investment, stars like Reese are a double-edged sword. They draw attention, engagement, and controversy. And sometimes, all three are exactly what’s needed to push a sport into the mainstream.

Whether you view her as a hero, a firebrand, or simply a fierce competitor, Angel Reese is undeniably the moment. And if the WNBA wants to ride the wave she’s creating, it better be ready for all the heat she brings.

Author’s Note:
What do you think about Angel Reese’s reaction? Was she justified, or did she go too far? Is the WNBA handling situations like this the right way? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.