Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Robert Griffin III (RGIII) has stirred the pot with his recent comments on the ongoing rivalry between WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Following a heated game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky—where Clark committed a flagrant foul on Reese—Griffin took to social media to share a bold opinion.
“I know what hatred looks like. Angel Reese HATES Caitlin Clark. Not some basketball rivalry hate either. Hate,” RGIII posted on X (formerly Twitter). He later expanded on the topic during his podcast, suggesting that Reese’s attitude and behavior toward Clark stem from deep-rooted animosity and not just on-court competitiveness.
This take quickly became the center of debate among sports fans and fellow athletes. Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant responded critically, accusing RGIII of fueling a negative narrative. Bryant emphasized that framing a Black woman’s competitiveness as “hate” plays into dangerous and racially charged stereotypes.
The tension between Reese and Clark traces back to their NCAA championship clash in 2023 and has followed them into the WNBA. Despite their rivalry bringing record-breaking viewership and attention to women’s basketball, recent games have shown that the on-court intensity is far from over.
After the foul incident, Clark described it as “just a basketball play,” and Reese accepted the referees’ decision. Still, RGIII’s remarks have added new fire to the discourse, raising questions about how sports rivalries are interpreted—and whether certain narratives are fair or harmful.
While the WNBA continues to investigate other elements surrounding the recent game, including alleged racist remarks from fans, RGIII’s comments remain a hot topic as the league, and its stars, navigate increased public scrutiny.
