Basketball star Angel Reese is facing major backlash after a light-hearted Super Bowl stunt that quickly escalated into a social media firestorm. While Reese intended to bring some humor and fun to the big game, many fans and critics quickly drew comparisons between her and Caitlin Clark, resulting in a wave of online reactions—both supportive and critical.

Angel Reese, known for her charismatic and bold personality on the court, participated in a playful moment during the Super Bowl that quickly became a viral sensation. In a lighthearted attempt to emulate some of the high-profile antics of basketball’s biggest stars, Reese made a gesture mimicking a famous move from Caitlin Clark, which has become iconic among fans of women’s basketball.

Reese, who had been watching the game with friends and fellow athletes, decided to have a little fun and pretend to “trash talk” while gesturing in a way that reminded people of Clark’s signature “You can’t see me” hand wave. The move, which Caitlin Clark had used in previous games to taunt opponents, was met with laughter and cheers from her inner circle.

However, things quickly took a turn when the clip was shared widely on social media, sparking a heated debate among basketball fans. While some people saw it as a hilarious and harmless joke, others felt that Reese’s stunt was in poor taste, especially because she wasn’t Caitlin Clark, the player who made the move famous.

The backlash against Reese came swiftly, with some fans criticizing the stunt as “cringe-worthy” and “unoriginal.” Many felt that Reese was trying to ride on Clark’s coattails and didn’t have the same right to perform the move, given that Clark had made it iconic during her NCAA games.

One fan tweeted, “Angel Reese is trying to be Caitlin Clark, but she’s not Caitlin Clark. Stop copying!” while another wrote, “That wasn’t funny. Some things you just don’t do. Stick to your own style, Angel.”

The comparison between Reese and Clark became the central issue of the online backlash, with critics arguing that Reese’s move came off as an attempt to mimic Clark’s success and swagger, which they felt was disrespectful. Some even called it a “cheap imitation,” while others questioned if Reese could truly make the move her own.

On the flip side, many fans and fellow athletes came to Reese’s defense, arguing that the stunt was just a lighthearted moment and that people were overreacting. They pointed out that athletes like Reese should be allowed to express themselves freely without being overly scrutinized or criticized for having fun.

“Angel Reese was just having some fun! Can’t take everything so seriously. I’m all for female athletes having the confidence to be bold and stand out. It’s what makes the game exciting!” one fan posted on social media.

Others defended Reese, saying that copying or mimicking moves is a common part of sports culture and shouldn’t be viewed negatively. “Everyone copies everyone. That’s how trends and moves are born,” a commenter pointed out. “Angel just added her twist to it. She didn’t disrespect anyone.”

While the backlash surrounding Reese’s stunt focused on her comparison to Caitlin Clark, it also raised larger conversations about the visibility and treatment of women’s basketball stars. Some fans argued that the media’s portrayal of the two athletes, and the comparisons between them, only served to undermine both players’ individual accomplishments.

“It’s frustrating that we can’t just celebrate Angel Reese for who she is without constantly putting her in the shadow of Caitlin Clark,” said a user. “Both women are incredible players, and they deserve to be seen as their own stars.”

Amid the online chatter, Angel Reese took to social media to address the backlash. In a tweet, she said, “I was just having fun and keeping the energy alive at the Super Bowl! No disrespect to Caitlin or anyone else. We all have our own personalities, and I just want to bring the same energy on the court that I do off of it.”

Reese’s lighthearted response seemed to diffuse the situation somewhat, with many of her followers applauding her for handling the criticism with grace and humor. However, the debate about the stunt and its timing remains an ongoing topic among fans.

The incident surrounding Angel Reese’s Super Bowl stunt highlights the fine line athletes walk when it comes to balancing personal expression with public perception. Whether or not Reese’s playful act was a “success” remains up for debate, but it’s clear that it sparked a larger conversation about how women in sports are perceived and the need for more understanding and support for athletes trying to define their own identities.

As Reese continues to make a name for herself in the world of women’s basketball, the viral moment may serve as a reminder that athletes need the freedom to showcase their personalities—without being constantly measured against the achievements of others.